Rides

Truckin through the Yakima Indian Nation.

Google maps directed me to take some logging roads to get back to 97. Tobiah doubted it at first but then thought it could work. I headed out nice and early and things were looking good for the first 2 miles. Then things changed. The nice fine gravel turned to coarse rocks. The road got steep. I got off and pushed a couple of time. I kept going thinking maybe the right turn I was supposed to take soon would be a better road. Then came the gate. No need to push on, I just turned around and flew back down. I probably only lost about 45 minutes on this dead end, and quickly found the paved route which got be to highway 97.

Once on the highway I quickly passed the remaining farmland and was soon in the woods climbing towards Satus Pass. There were actually 3 summits. You could call the first two false summits but the had a significant downhill, which of course was elevation I would have to do over again. Near one of these summits was a Greek Orthodox monastery with a nice bakery/cafe. I stopped for a pastry and a drink. Vey nice.

Once over the final pass there was a big sign that I was entering the Yakima Nation. I didn't get to meet any of the people but I guess they are doing well. They even issue their own license plates. The only encounter I had was a nice one. I was on a not very busy road when a car behind me slowed down and waited patiently to pass even tough there was plenty of room. When they passed a young Indian woman in the passenger seat waved and gave me a sweet smile.

It was interesting that the inhabitants of most of the towns in the Yakima Indian Nation where of Mexican decent rather than native. This of course is the Yakima Valley, famous for its apples and other crops. I was really hoping to see some small fruit stands and get some cherries but I saw none. I did stop at a wonderful Mexican restaurant in Wapato for some lemonade.

There were no campgrounds and opportunities for stealth camping did not look attractive. I pushed on to Union Gap just south of Yakima. There I found a genuine natural food store that seemed out of place but welcome. It was adjacent to the marijuana dispensary. I stopped and got a cold Knudsen's Recharge which really hit the spot. From there I easily found the Super 8 motel for the night.

Into town from Tobiah and Adar's place. 

Started later than I would have liked and then when I got up to the Mini Mart I had to wait another hour for them to open. I didn't dare to go on without extra water, ice tea, and gatoraide. Turned off the highway at Sundale and things were looking good. It was steep but there was shade from poplar trees along a big apple orchard. I got above the orchard and the shade was gone but it soon leveled out and turned to gravel. I was thrilled. A real gravel adventure on unknown roads. A man in a pickup stopped to see if I was lost. I told him my route and he said it was correct and that there would be some steep climbs. Sundale road continued climbing at a moderate grade on good gravel until it hit Old Highwsy 8 which is paved. I stopped in the shade of a small tree for a snack. A man came by on a quad and stopped. He looked at me like " what the hell?"  He said there was a climb ahead that would be brutal with no shade and that he would be heading to Goldendale soon and could take me. I thanked him and said I think I could make it. 

I continued on and soon the road dropped down a huge canyon. Several miles of fast downhill I knew I'd have to pay dearly for. I stopped at the bottom in the last shade before what I learned was a 3 mile climb. I got started and realized this was going to be seriously brutal. I would have to stop often. I had enough water but it was already very hot and there was no shade. Right on queue along comes the farmer I met. Stops his truck and cattle trailer in the middle of the steep road, jumps out, helps me load the bike in the trailer and off we go. I could see that the grade was very steep, perhaps 10%. I don't think I would have made it without Jason and his wife Kim coming to my rescue. They dropped me off at the top and said it was all downhill to Goldendale. 

I was know in the middle of a huge wind farm with Hood and Adams staring me in the face, and Jefferson and St. Helens visible in the distance. I could also see how huge those wind turbines are up close. It was all downhill from here to Goldendale on some nice roads so I stopped often to take pictures. Once again Google took me down some gravel roads which was great. Eventually I crossed the main road into Goldendale and got on Pipeline road for the 6 mile ride to Tobiah and Adar's place. Good to see old friends I haven't seen for many years. I stayed 3 nights with them.

Left the security and camaraderie of the bike club and headed off solo. Robert dropped me off in Hermiston where I got a motel room. Did laundry and got organized. Started riding at 5:30 this morning to beat the heat. It worked out well as I got to the store in Roosevelt by noon.

From Hermiston to Umatilla I was on 395 but it was early and little traffic. The bridge over the Columbia was a protected bike path as it showed on Google Maps, which is why I chose this route. Once in Washington it did some funny, but well marked, stuff to route cyclists under the freeway and on to a very quiet country road heading west. There was even a nice looking campground there in Plymouth I wish I had known about. There was nothing else here but a few big orchards. After a while the road climbed north away from the river and met highway 14. There was a good shoulder here which was nice as there were a lot of trucks. The road mostly stated away from the river but every noiw and then I had a nice view. Very barren desert terrain otherwise. When I got to Patterson there was a big junction and most of the trucks turned north to Prosser. There was a store that was shut down and nothing else. There would be nothing else until Roosevelt, still a ways off.

It was hot but there was a light headwind that kept me cool enough. Still I was pretty dead when I got to Roosevelt. The store there is great. They even have a log book for cycle tourists. This is on the ACA Lewis and Clark route so they do get some. The Roosevelt park was a real oasis, shady and green with a nice swimming beach. It even has free camping and hot showers. There was a fellow from Vancouver who was here for the wind surfing but the wind was calm so he was just hanging out. The camp host was a cyclist and a wind surfer who entertained us with some interesting tales of life on the Columbia. I found some trees to hand my hammock and had a good rest, then made diner, pitched my tent and had a good sleep.

End of Loop Tour 2016. Lovely warm morning.

The final day is always short and somewhat anticlimactic. A few miles out of Cove we hit the road to Union and were and on the road we started on. The tour planners mixed it up though and we followed an alternate route on into La Grande, which added a few miles and made it an interesting ride. Part of it was again on the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway.

I stopped at Safeway to eat something and stock up since my tour would continue. Found my way to the starting point and said farewell to everyone. Then I was off with Robert to Hermiston were I got a motel and would begin my next tour.

Nice climb early. Then rolling into Elgin. Took the alt route with 10 miles of gravel.

From the wayside it was downhill to MInam, which had a kind of resort. I stopped at the little store there and was happy they had my favorite ice tea. This was at the confluence of the Wallowa and Minam rivers. From there the road started to climb. The climb took us out of the woods and onto the rolling prairie. Some nice farms on the way up. After that it was some long rollers on in to Elgin. We stopped in Elgin for a while at this little park square. Some people had a second breakfast.

From here I teamed up with Steve, Joe, and Robert and we diverted to take the alternate gravel route. This was a great change. Nice and quiet and hardly any cars. Some short steep hills to grunt up, and great views of the farmland and the mountains beyond. It was quite a bit longer than I expected. Steve, who plotted the route, had at time said "a couple of miles", or "about 5 miles". It was 10 miles on the gravel, which was mostly well packed and easy riding.

After the gravel we still had a long ways to go and it was getting hot. I stopped in the shade of a tree by a farm house to have a snack and cool down. Lyle passed in the SAG wagon so at least I knew I was on route. Then Steve came by and we finished the ride together.

Cove Warm Springs offered a nice grassy place to pitch our tents, a covered area with picnic tables to have our potluck, a pool, and hot showers. The shower was good and the pool was lovely but not quite warm enough for my liking. We had our potluck that evening. This started out as a "whatever is left in your panniers" kind of meal but over the years morphed into a "go to the store and get something good" meal. However this store didn't have much of a selection so the meal was closer to the original intent. There was plenty of good stuff to chose from, and we all had a good time.

Downhill into the wind. As the day wore on the slope got less and the wind got stronger.

The highlight of the day was the Homeland Project of the Nez Perce Wallowa Band. http://www.wallowanezperce.org/ . They have an office and display in town where I met Amy. Though not a native she was very passionate about talking to people about the history of Chief Joseph and the Wallowa Band, as well as the Homeland project effort to build a place for the decedents to return to the Wallow region. We talked for a while and Amy said I should go out to there land which was very close, so I did. First by myself and sat and had lunch outside of their ceremonial arena, then with Brandy and explored the longhouse, and back out again with Robert. We talked to an electrician who was working on the longhouse and it became clear that this project was started, and kept going, through the efforts of local white people who sincerely wanted to build a place where the decedents of the Wallow Band could gather in their original homeland. I was very inspired by this and left with a good feeling, hoping maybe I could contribute is some way.

The rest of the ride was downhill into a mighty wind. This should have been our easy day, but instead we had to struggle just to keep moving into the wind. Camping was at a wayside along the river. Nice but close to the road.

Layover day. Rode around taking pictures as the ones I took yesterday were all foggy due to a dirty lens. It was cloudy and cooler today which was very nice.

First stop was the gravesite of Old Chief Joesph which is on a nice hill overlooking the lake. The sign says he was moved here after his original gravesite was desecrated. This would have been fitting had it not been for the white settlers also buried here. I was especially unhappy to see one white settler even had a more prominent spot over looking the lake because he was "a friend to the Indians". I soon realized that the entire town of Joseph was filled with indian imagery and history, but all from a white perspective. There was no native presence and nothing that seemed authentic, with the exception of the Homeland Project center.

I went up Prairie Creek road, past and old cemetery and continued on when it turned to gravel. It eventually met another road which looped me back to the highway. On the way back I hung out in town a bit with some of the other riders.

I also stopped at a small interpretive display for the Wallowa Homeland Project. I learned that they had some land adjacent to the town of Wallow, and hoped I might be able to see it when we go through there tomorrow.

Two summits, and then a steep "bump" at the bottom.

Another perfect day weather wise. From Ollokot CG there was a short downhill section on rough pavement before we started climbing again. Then it was a long climb to one summit, some fast downhill, and the another long climb. The first one was all pretty lush woods, but at the top of the second climb the trees got very thin. Looks like maybe a fire some years ago. Also pretty close to the tree line.

At the end of the Wallowa Mountain road was a nice green valley, and then a junction with a main road. One way went to Imnaha, which is the eastern most town in Oregon, and our way went to Joseph. But not before another climb, much steeper than anything we did in the mountains. It was now hot as well. Fortunately it was only a mile or so and then things leveld off. I stopped to take a lot of pictures but my lense was dirty and they were all foggy. The first horse I saw coming into Joseph was a Belgain. I saw no Appaloosas but later learned that none of the Nez Perce live here. The main tribe is in Idaho (where I passed through in 2010), but the decendents of the Wallowa band are on the Coleville reservation in northern Washington. More on this later.

When I got to town some of our other rides flagged me down at a burger joint on the corner, which had shade and nice cold milk shakes. I didn't need much prompting to stop and hang out for an hour or so. Then it was on out to the lake, which entailed a bit more climbing to get out of town, but then mostly flat along the lake. The views here were spectacular as well. The state park is on the far end of the lake tucked into the mountains. The group campsite was not thet attractive due to lack of shade, but I found a spot that would be shady later and it worked out okay. We would spend two nights here.

That evening we had a special gatering with our guests of honor Richard and Lindy Burgess. Some long time members had some good tails to tell of past tours. 

An absolutely gorgeous ride. One long summit, but never too steep, through beautiful woods along North Pine Creek. Camped along side the Imnaha River.

The ride started with about 10 miles of downhill through some very scenic country along Pine Creek as it made it's way to the Snake. We then turned up Wallowa Mountain Road. This was the road I wanted to take 6 years ago but it was closed due to a washout. So it was very fulfilling to get to ride it now. It started out through beautiful woods and nice cool air. Sometimes I could see the naked hills far above and feared we'd eventually leave the woods, but we never did. The woods changed to mostly pine as we got higher but never gave out. It was a long climb but eventually we got to the turn off for the Snake River Overlook. Here I ditched my panniers in the woods and did the final 3 miles with a lighter load. We spent at least an hour on top lounging around and enjoying the view. You couldn't actually see the Snake River but the view was spectacular none the less.

Then it was a fast downhill to the Ollokot campground on the Imnaha River. I found a spot close to the river and was very happy to be lulled to sleep by it.

I did not know it at the time but Ollokot was Chief Joseph's younger brother and the leader of the young warriors who chose to fight the army that forced them off of their land.

I did this ride 6 years ago but did not remember all of it. Leaving Baker we climbed through some scrubby hills before a long decent down Eagle Creek, only it wasn't all down hill. It just kept carving a canyon through the barren hills. Eventually we got to Richland which is well watered and green. 

Hung around Richland for some time helping Robert and Jean with a tire problem. It got hot, at least 90 as we tackled the big climb out of Richland. The road carved long steep switchbacks through the naked hills. From the bottom you could see the cars miles above just creeping along. It was hit but the wind really helped. I stopped 3 times to catch my breath and cool off. This really made it manageable. The sign at the top said 3 miles at 7% but of course everyone swears it was longer and steeper. 

Had a wild time coming down the other side. There was a lot of wind and I was holding back my speed. All of a sudden I see Tad and Anne on their tandem right on my wheel ready to pass, but just then 3 big RVs came along one after the other. Tad and Anne managed to slow down and pull in behind me as the RVs passed, but it was a tense moment. Then a little further down the hill a wind gust really knocked me sideways. I was very happy to get to the bottom of that hill.

Halfway is just as beautiful as I remember it. Less snow left in the mountains than there was 6 years ago. We're camped at a school under some nice shade trees. We had a wonderful group dinner at Wild Bill's Saloon. Lot's of fun. 

Day 2. The 5.5 mile climb up Catherine Creek was gorgeous. Nice forest of pine and fir. Then after a short downhill came a series of long rollers, as the treebs gave way to sage brush and grassland. We stopped at an old run down oasis in Medicinal Springs. Just as as was about to leave I noticed my rear tire was very low. I pumped it up and continued on. We did a bunch of climbing over naked hills before dropping down and crossing the Powder River. Not much of a river at this point. Then lots more climbing. On a short downhill I noticed my tire was low again. Pumped it up again and rode a short distance when I finally got to the top of the climb since the SAG wagon was there with my spare tires I changed it out. Felt much better on the downhill and the rest of the way to the high school where we were camping in Baker City. 

Once at camp I changed my other tire and did some more bike maintenance. I will write an article on my experience using Compass tires on a loaded touring bike. (I was very happy with my Schwalbe Big Ben tires for the rest of the tour and beyond.)

I really missed an opportunity to get some great panorama shots on this ride. From several points on the ride you had views of both the Elkhorn and Wallowa ranges.

Day 1. Rainy cold day. We had a nice tailwind heading out. I was riding with Robert and Dan B, although they were usually a ways out front. We made a nice loop of the valley to Union. It was starting to rain harder so we ducked into Gravy Daves. We filled the place up and spent a couple of hours waiting out the rain. When we left it was still cold but we soon started climbing, and the clouds started breaking up, and when we got to the campground it was sunny and warm. 

Leaving for loop tour tomorrow.

Perfect weather. Cool and cloudy most of the day, but warm and sunny at the end. Almost all new route. I did the 'epic' option which is the same mileage but includes a climb up Mark's Ridge. 

I started out with a couple on a tandem and one other guy. They are Randonneurs and did PBP last year. They kept an 18-20 mph pace which I was able to match for the first 35 miles. They would loose me on the downhills but I would catch them on the climbs. After the first rest stop they took off down a big hill and I never saw them again. 

At lunch I ran into quite a few MVBCers. All were doing the 70 mile ride and a few did the epic option. 

Head winds again on the return although not as bad as last year. I was pretty wasted by the end and certainly did not finish as strong as I started, but I felt pretty good about it. 

Oh, and I was number 100. 

Around town and to the garden a few times. Cooler after a really hot weekend. 

We took 34 the whole way. Hot. I got a flat. It got hotter. We had lunch at Deb's Cafe. It got hotter. We cooked. Stopped 4 times on the big climb in the shade to cool down. Made it home beat. 

The morning was gorgeous. Slight fog hanging in over the coast with warm sunshine already streaming through. The approach to Cape Perpetua was so beautiful I had to shout out for joy. 

At the base of the climb we ran into the three young women from Vancouver we met yesterday. The camped at the FS campground at Cape Perpetua. 

It was steep right away. For kicks we passed the road we wanted and did an extra mile of climbing before turning around. Wish I knew the vertical. It was a lot. (Ride with GPS later told us it was 4,062') Huge climb from Cape Perpetua up Cape and Klickitat ridges. Incredible views looking across Yachats Valley to Mary's Peak. Very hot, but still pockets of cool air in the shady places. Man on Buck Creek said it got over 100. It took at least 6 hours to go the 26 miles from Hwy 101 to Five Rivers road.

We were out of water by the time we hit Five Rivers. We found a spring an I got to try my new Sawyer Squeze filter. It worked great and we filled up on cool clear water

Too tired to make it to Alsea we opted to back track a few miles on Hwy. 34 to Blackberry Campground. Found a great spot right on the river and my Senior Pass got it for half price, $12.

Here is the Ride with GPS route for this ride. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14245793

Heavy dew made for a slow start while we dried the tents in the sun. Lovely ride to Newport. Almost hot. Lunch on the bay front. Then Eileen and John parted to catch the bus home while Dan and I continued. 

Met a couple from Canada that were riding to San Diego, then 3 young women from Canada who were riding to San Francisco, then camped with Tom from England who is riding to LA. 

Tailwind from Newport, 73 degrees in Waldport. 

On the ride out we were joined by a bunch of riders from Sacramento. They were doing a week long supported tour. I helped them plan the route to the coast. They continued on to Newport while we camped at Moonshine Park. 

Misty drippy stuff all day until we got to the park when the sun came out and it dried up nicely. 

Warm day. Forgot riding clothes and had to ride home in jeans. 

Can't get the men to do the hard rides, but the women are always game. Perfect day. Sunny and warm but not hot. Lots of people at the falls this being Memorial Day weekend. 

Returned via Alsea and Hwy. 34. This is the second ride I've done with Wendy, who rides at my pace as long as I'm going strong. 

Finally a nice day. Lovely day sunny, low 70's and light winds. Went with the Tenners out Bellfountain to Muddy Creek school where the main group headed back over Decker. We continued on to Monroe, Harrisburg and back Peoria. Fast pace but we stopped a lot. 

Maybe starting to clear up and warm up. 

Out to the garden after. Cool and grey but dry. 

Loaded up the Trucker for a test ride. First into town, then bike path to Bald Hill. Up Bald Hill trail to just before the steep part. Then up Oak Creek to the easy trail. Then some forest road. I tought I was on 600 but it was some other road. Nice dirt and fir needle base. Back down 600 to co-op for lunch and then home.

The Trucker did great with the front bikepacker setup. It loves the new Compass Rat Trap Pass tires.

Plus a ride with January to the Spring Roll yesterday, and to the MVBC meeting tonight. Cool and misty today. Some wind too. Plus my rerar brake pads were rubbing. I was working way too hard!

Cool and windy. Rode the Trucker with new Compass tires. Smooth.

First commuter breakfast on Bije to work day. The south town with Dave Miller. Then Airport 7 miles to the end, back to Peterson, Ervin, Decker and 34 into Philomath.  Then garden, town, and home. 

First to school with January on her bike. Then garden, then back home with January.

Nicer day. 

Nice day to work in the garden. Hauled the trailer with the Saga. Did well.

Cool and grey, but dry. Shortest possible route today.

A wet one. Nice route, good food, and good people, but very wet. 

Perfect day for it. Sunny but not too hot. Having done McKenzie Pass last week I wanted to see how they compare. I can say that Mary's Peak is much harder. It's just steeper.

Decided that cantilever brakes are just not good enough for the steep descents. I foresee more disc brakes in my future.

Another sunny day. Home via Tangent, Oakvilke, Church, Peoria. 

Another warm day. 

Long way home through Albany and Springhill. Lovely day sunny but cool with little wind. 

Did a car swap. Mellissa, Beth, and Betty took my car and Tracy's car and started in Sisters. We took Beth's car and started at the McKenzie River Ranger Station. We met and swapped keys near the top. So we all got to ride one way the whole way. 

Great day and great ride. Sunny with some clouds. Much more snow than the previous times I've been up there. Hundreds of riders out. Saw other MVBCers: Annie, Brennon, Nancy and Shawn and Dan.

Warm day. Ride turned out longer than expected as I went to the garden, then had to get slug bait and go back to the garden.