After a 47 mile ride and another (easy) mountain divide today we stopped in Mitchell, population 190. The city park allows free camping. Once again we have restrooms and water but no other amenities. Mary has devised a system for camper based sponge baths while I wash up with a small hose outside. Her way is warmer. Mine’s faster.
As I’ve said before, there are many people who make transcontinental bike trips. In fact, there are four of them, all self supported, staying in Mitchell tonight. Two decided to take a bunk and a bath at the local Oregon Hotel for $15 a night. Two of them are camping in the park with us. James is from Eugene, taking the Adventure Cycling route to Virginia. Allen is from Connecticut and I’m not certain where he leaves the route. He’s got a solar cell that charges his cell phone, MP3 player and CPS. Steve is from Philadelphia. He’s taking the route to Virginia and then taking another Adventure cycling route to Florida. Then there’s the guy on a recumbent I met yesterday who did the route last year and the two Dutch guys whom I’m told are just ahead of us. In fact I saw them leave Mitchell just as I arrived. They plan to bike to the John Day Fossil Beds yet today. Everybody’s bike and equipment are unique. Every body’s story is unique.
Overall the ride today went very well. I am having a problem with my bike seat which won’t stay pointed down. I’m afraid to try tightening the bolt again for fear of breaking it. Although I’ve had this seat for several years, it may be too hard for a long tour like this. The next town with a bike shop is Baker City, which is a two day ride. I think I’ll investigate saddles there and also have them tighten the bolt. If it breaks, which has happened before, they’ll have another one. More later.
Tomorrow is just one climb of 1,300 feet up to 4,320 feet. This starts right out of Mitchell after which it’s a gradual down slope of 80 miles to Prairie City.
As I’ve said before, there are many people who make transcontinental bike trips. In fact, there are four of them, all self supported, staying in Mitchell tonight. Two decided to take a bunk and a bath at the local Oregon Hotel for $15 a night. Two of them are camping in the park with us. James is from Eugene, taking the Adventure Cycling route to Virginia. Allen is from Connecticut and I’m not certain where he leaves the route. He’s got a solar cell that charges his cell phone, MP3 player and CPS. Steve is from Philadelphia. He’s taking the route to Virginia and then taking another Adventure cycling route to Florida. Then there’s the guy on a recumbent I met yesterday who did the route last year and the two Dutch guys whom I’m told are just ahead of us. In fact I saw them leave Mitchell just as I arrived. They plan to bike to the John Day Fossil Beds yet today. Everybody’s bike and equipment are unique. Every body’s story is unique.
Overall the ride today went very well. I am having a problem with my bike seat which won’t stay pointed down. I’m afraid to try tightening the bolt again for fear of breaking it. Although I’ve had this seat for several years, it may be too hard for a long tour like this. The next town with a bike shop is Baker City, which is a two day ride. I think I’ll investigate saddles there and also have them tighten the bolt. If it breaks, which has happened before, they’ll have another one. More later.
Tomorrow is just one climb of 1,300 feet up to 4,320 feet. This starts right out of Mitchell after which it’s a gradual down slope of 80 miles to Prairie City.
6 comments:
I hope you and Mary both share more people impressions from different stops. I like how you focus on different aspects of the same place and people.
Great to read your posts! Know that our team back in GR is rooting for you with every crank and that we're holding both of you in prayer. With the limited shower facilities you note, that's about as close as we want to hold you right now! Hope the wind stays at your back, especially for the ascending rides and that the descent is a delight. Best for the day!
Calvin, according to my guess you've gone about 245 miles. Is that about how many miles you have gone according to your records?
Mitchell sounds a bit more prosperous now than the towns you grew up next to. brother D
ME. I do have one people story. As I was waiting for the pilot car I visited with the flag lady. I told her I did the same job 36 years ago. It was very boring. I used to bum cigarettes from truckers just to see how many I could collect in a day. Then I'd give them to the rest of the crew. At $5 a pack, I don't think I'd get very many these days. Cal
UP. Through Friday I have biked 415 miles. Tomorrow will be the first week and I'll be close to 500 miles. This pace puts me at 4,ooo miles in 8 weeks. However, I want to increase my daily mileage because this pace doesn't give me any rest days. Cal
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