Baker City Welcomes Bikers

We arrived in town to find many streets blocked off to accommodate the annual Baker City Regional Criterium. We got to watch the men cyclists for a while before we headed into the hotel for much needed shower and rest. (Not sure if clip below will play. Let me know, won't you?)

The 81mile ride today from John Day started with cool temps (mid 40's) and sunny skies (again). Just awesome weather that we know won't last. We could feel the heat rise throughout the day reaching low 80's by the time we pulled into town. It's high desert so again, it's hot in the sun but cool in the shade with no humidity. Frequently, riders were taking off layers to grind up the three grueling climbs

then putting on layers in the long descents. Some of the longest descents I've ever done. Fairly earned, so the reward was that much sweeter.

But oh, after a long day yesterday, our legs just didn't pedal as fast today. Everything seems to hurt. I did hang a bit with Nick from the UK, Heather and Murray from Australia, and even with Big Mike, Michael, Greg, and John. There were many opportunities taken to soak up some peace and quiet along the road: several stretching breaks, a few just hold on a minute I need to pop some Tylenol, and unscheduled application of more Butt'r.

There were many wide open spaces too grand to capture with a camera. It reminded me again of what a huge and beautiful land this is.

Strawberry Mountains from day's first summit: Dixie Mt.

Tourist photo opportunity. When in Rome...

Country Market was our first SAG today.

Yes, that's a Tandem bike ridden by Mike and Angie from KY

Yes, we're in cattle country.

Yes they're bike "friendly" but you need to buy something to use the toilets.

Second Summit of the day...getting tired with another climb coming up and 30 miles to go.

The buildings are about as old and tired as I feel.

But as peaceful and calm, too.

It was a beautiful ride.