Another Long One

To Cambridge, Idaho -- 71.5 miles, 11.8 mph, 3050 ft

Last night, just as we were getting ready for bed, April’s brother, Wayne, and partner, Patrice, showed up bearing gifts of beer and Thai green curry. Meg and I have known Wayne (a.k.a. Keeter) for years, and he has been an avid follower of our family journey around the world.

He and Patrice have a beautiful mountain home in Sisters not too far from Eugene. Apparently it's not too far away as the trip they made in a day will take us eight by bike. Once again we’d get the advantage of a large stove and quick access to groceries and supplies if necessary.

Kylie and Keeter

Today was, intentionally, a much longer day than usual. We gained the bulk of our elevation early climbing along the Little Salmon River.  The rest of the day was a net down, though the unexpected winds made it a fair amount of work, not to mention temperatures in the nineties. Fortunately, towns were spaced out nicely today giving us a second breakfast at twenty-five miles and a gas station rest stop at fifty, before reaching our final destination at seventy-two.

The Giant Pancake breakfast

We chose Cambridge, proclaimed as the entrance to Hell’s Canyon, as our end point because it lies at a low point on the route and would once again set us up for an early morning climb. The pattern is becoming pretty predictable. Keeter and Patrice were fabulous and not only investigated the town's two camping options, but had cold, sweet watermelon waiting for us at the end of the hot ride. They also managed to find the one place in town with a pool AND they cooked up a simple, tasty dinner for a very hungry crew. It was promptly devoured.

Afternoon rest stop

Done for the day

Dad's biker tan