Cycle Oregon 2015 Ride Report: Day 1

Ride Date: September 2015

Starting City: Baker City, Oregon

Ending City: Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, Oregon

Ride Stats: 64.76 miles, 1407' of climbing, 3:42:55 riding time

Cycle Oregon Day 1 Route map - Baker City to Farewell Bend

Cycle Oregon Day 1 Route map - Baker City to Farewell Bend

Cockpit view as I started Day 1

Cockpit view as I started Day 1

Ready to roll on Day 1!

Ready to roll on Day 1!

Took the flat 14-mile option loop. Saw hawks on power lines

Day 1: Out on the optional loop north of Baker City, Oregon. Notice the hawk on the power line?

Day 1: Out on the optional loop north of Baker City, Oregon. Notice the hawk on the power line?

Day 1: Old In and Out Burger I found on the optional loop north of Baker City, Oregon.(Not THAT In-N-Out)

Day 1: Old In and Out Burger I found on the optional loop north of Baker City, Oregon.(Not THAT In-N-Out)

Easy downhill route for most of the day

Durkee rest stop - stop on Oregon Trail

Durkey Community Hall, Historic Oregon Trail: This spot was famous in early days as express ranch as important relay station on the Umatilla-Boise Basin Stage and Freight route. It was also a favorite camping place for emigrants and teamsters.

Durkey Community Hall, Historic Oregon Trail: This spot was famous in early days as express ranch as important relay station on the Umatilla-Boise Basin Stage and Freight route. It was also a favorite camping place for emigrants and teamsters.

Passing the Ash Grove Cement Plant outside Baker City, Oregon. This is where we joined I-84

Passing the Ash Grove Cement Plant outside Baker City, Oregon. This is where we joined I-84

Rode on I-84 for about 12 miles, stopped at the Weatherby rest area

Lunch at the High School in Huntington, Oregon.

Day 1: Bike rack at the lunch stop in Huntington, Oregon

Day 1: Bike rack at the lunch stop in Huntington, Oregon

Day 1: Lunch stop in Huntington, Oregon

Day 1: Lunch stop in Huntington, Oregon

Arrived at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area in the heat of the afternoon. Very warm (95+)

Day 1: Final stop at Farewell Bend State Park.

Day 1: Final stop at Farewell Bend State Park.

Day 1: Final stop at Farewell Bend State Park.

Day 1: Final stop at Farewell Bend State Park.

Tried to go swimming but the Snake River very low, looks polluted and muddy, smells bad

Day 1: Checking out the low river level at the boat launch at Farewell Bend State Park. Nope, not going swimming.

Day 1: Checking out the low river level at the boat launch at Farewell Bend State Park. Nope, not going swimming.

No cell service, no email home

Nothing much to do except relax, drink, and try to sleep.

Relaxing in the shade in my hammock on a VERY hot day.

Relaxing in the shade in my hammock on a VERY hot day.

Found a place right next to my tent to setup my hammock.

Pedals failed by first rest stop. Was able to make it to overnight stop to buy replacements.

Very long dinner line

Rideoregonride.com

$400m in 2012 from bicycle recreation in Oregon

Oregon State geologist White rocks in Lime were painted white by limestone dust from the abandoned cement plant.

Day 1: Brady Goss at Farewell Bend State Park.

Day 1: Brady Goss at Farewell Bend State Park.

The Brady Goss Band out of Portland, fabulous piano. Bought his CD.

Very tired, early bedtime

Highlights:

  1. Nice, relaxing (mostly) downhill ride.

  2. Great music by Brady Goss Band!

  3. Lots of shade for relaxing from the heat

Lowlights:

  1. Pedal bearing failed mid-ride. Bought a new set and looking good!

  2. No cell service, no letter home to the kids.

}B^)