Up at 5:30 this morning and on the road at 6:30. Stopped at the Oregon Trail restaurant in town for breakfast…didn’t eat dinner last night so am starving. Feeling great this morning….it’s amazing what liquids and a good nights sleep will do to rejuvenate the body….I was feeling completely exhausted last night, but feel ready to go this morning. 59 degrees now with a high of 95 expected today…going to be another warm one and it’s over 50 miles and two of the three 5k passes before the first services at Austin Junction.
Back in national Forrest today with trees—yes!
Topped the first of three climbs at 30 miles in at 10:50 am….it’s a lot nicer climbing in the Forrest vs Hells Canyon.
Topped the second climb of the day at 12:30 with 44 miles in.
Got to Austin Junction at 1:10….initially I didn’t see anything and thought I was out of luck for a restaurant or store. That wasn’t a good feeling…was hot, tired, thirsty and hungry. Then I saw a flag that read “food” and it was the best thing I saw all morning. There was a restaurant hidden away at the corner. The service was slow, but at least it was food and drink to help fuel me over the last climb. Had buffalo burger, fries, ice tea. And for desert a double scoop of butter pecan ice cream.
Back on the road at 2:20 for the final climb of the day and last 29 miles to John Day where I have reserved a room…been being passed my motorcycles all day so am not taking a chance on not having a motel room.
Topped the 3rd and final pass of the day at 59 miles in at 3:30. Pretty much downhill the final 20 miles to John Day from here.
Rolled into John Day about 5pm….small town with about 5 motels, so I don’t think a room would have been a problem, but lot of motorcycles in town. Checked into my room and got cleaned up. Walked down the street to the 1188 brewery and cafe. Had pizza and a couple beers. Stopped by Dairy Queen on way back to motel and had a chocolate ice cream cone.
Was hot today, but riding through the National Forrest allowed me to stop in the shade under trees for breaks today…much better than yesterday. Am now checking flights and thinking about what day to make my flight reservation for home….may wait a couple more days to reserve….just keeping an eye on ticket prices.
80 miles felt good today…wish there were services where I could do that each day for the rest of the trip, but that’s not going to work out. Will need to do about 70 tomorrow followed by about 95 the next day and 100 the following day….not ideal, but doable. Still feeling good and strong….hope the weather holds out for one more week.
