Friday, June 23, 2017 Day 5 Across America North

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The temp was 47 when we left Prineville, OR and about 86 when we arrived in John Day, 115 miles and 6000 feet of climbing later!  Whew!  While I was prepared for this, the headwind for the first 3/4 of the ride added yet another challenge.  By now, most of our riders have figured out their pace and they are riding with others who are going about the same speed.  I too now have a good idea of what my pace is and I stick to it whether plowing up today's three big climbs of riding the last 40 miles of flat to the hotel.  These 8-10 mile long climbs are both a physical and a mental challenge for me because I have not done any climbing in a long time.  I have a heart rate monitor on my Garmin speedometer/odometer along with a chest strap that gives me great feedback on how hard I am working, and ultimately, keeps me on a sustainable pace.

Again we were surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery going up and then a vast number of bubbling, fast running streams at the bottom.  At one point, I think my right arm was within 30 feet of the freshest, clean running stream I've ever seen.  And as my swelling feet began to ache around mile 90, I fantasized about putting my feet in the cool, beautiful water . . . and then I pushed toward the barn . . . eh, hotel!

Saw the cool sign above outside the town of Dayville, population about 130.  You gotta love friendly fossils!

Had dinner at the Outpost Cafe with Mike, from New Hampshire, former P-3 Orion pilot, and John, my real estate buddy from Perth, Australia.  Then after dinner I joined a different group of folks at the next door brew house where we compared notes from the day's ride.  Yes, it IS a tough life, but I volunteered to do it!  And yes, we complied with the posted rule above.

See you tomorrow for the 80 mile ride to Baker City, OR!


Stay healthy,

Steve

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