A Perfect Day of Riding

Sunday, June 9

We got started somewhat late to avoid some potential rain that didn't arrive. The first 10 or so miles was a very gentle climb through a rural area. The remainder of a 2,000 ft climb into national forest started after that. It was relatively steep but the scenery was fantastic and the temperature perfect.

After that was an equally long descent on dirt roads, the bottom half being private rural ranch land.

Kaden was riding like a new man, with no complaints about seat comfort. He had used info from the  bike shop across the street from our hotel on how to treat his saddle sores during the rest day. I also had him try the new saddle we picked up (brooks cambium c17 carved) then mine (Selle anatomica titanico x). The way he smiled and commented after trying mine I knew it was going to be his for the rest of the ride. It's not my favorite but I can get by on the other one.

Pictures from the day appear below.

Waaazzup:

Dante in front of an old school house:

Shooting cans with a slingshot during a break at an informal campsite that we found during the climb:

The boys dropping me:

Lunch at another informal campsite at the top of the pass:

One of the four stream crossings on the way down:

We ended the day at Ashwood after about 10 miles of some pretty rough dirt road that was punctured by endless short, steep climbs.

One of the town residents has set up a rest stop stocked with water soda, Gatorade, ice cream, and chips specifically for people riding through on the Oregon Outback cycle route. Payment is on honor system basis.

Break at the rest area upon reaching town:

Free camping area behind Ashwood's Grange Hall: