Day 9: A rest day in Boise, Idaho

After over 600 miles in 8 days with over 30,000' of climbing we are taking a day off in Boise. Started the day with a breakfast of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, and a bagel with cream cheese. Got my laundry going prior to breakfast and finished it before walking into town with Tom to see the State Capital Building and take in a slice of Boise. The town is very bike friendly with trails and parks along the river near Boise State. Even the squirrels are friendly here. Needing one more white SPF 50 shirt for the ride I rode out to REI on the otherside of town. I made a leisurely ride back to the hotel and cleaned my bike and lubed the chain for tomorrows ride. Picked-up a spare chain so I have a replacement when my old one reaches about 2000 miles and also mailed a package back home to Belle. Dinner was at a nearby Perkins. A great relaxing day in Boise. (To see more pics please checkout my facebook page.)

Roadkill count stands at 71

Flats: 0

Hurts: Sore spots are gone as a good night's sleep and only minor biking seem to have taken care of em.

Day 8: Ontario, OR to Boise Idaho, 64 miles, Climbing 2,739'

Another day of sunshine. Most of today's riding was on country roads through irrigated farmlands with crops of corn, onions, wheat and potatoes. Saw many quail and hawks. After 62 miles in the saddle had a nice lunch in Hyde Park on the edge of Boise where I had a "Belle of Boise" sandwich with turkey and cranberry sauce. (Strange coincidence as my badly missed girlfriend's name is Belle.) Dinner was outside with barbequed chicken, baked beans, fruit and apple cobbler. Two of the riders, Carl and Gayle will be leaving tonight as they only signed up for the first week. One week down with the first 612 miles behind us. Looking forward to a day off tomorrow.

Roadkill: 71

Flats: 0

Hurts: Minor hammy, palm and butt soreness

Day 7: Baker City, OR to Ontario, OR - 83 miles, Climb 2,153'

We are back down into the desert. Today's ride had over 35 miles of downhill which made for a quick 83 miles. Rode through several small towns and entered the mountain time zone. Spent time talking to several fishermen on the Snake River. Had to ride on the interstate for a while due to no other options. Got in at around 2:15 and had to wait for the gear truck to get clean clothes. Dinner at Sizzler was great. One more 60 mile day tomorrow and we get a day off in Boise. WooHoo.

Roadkills: 66 including a hawk

Flats: 0

Hurts: Life is good

Day 6: John Day, OR to Baker City OR - 81 miles, Climb 3,446'

Today we had 3 summits above 5100' during the first 50 miles of the ride but had them all behind us by 11:00. Had a great lunch under the Ponderosa Pines. Saw many hawks, sandhill cranes, osprey, and vultures. The downhills were excellent! Tom and I were done riding by 1:45. Baker City is back down in the desert but has much more to than John Day. (Dog pictured was in the back of a pick-up at one of our rest stops.)

Roadkills: 59

Flats: 0 (Love those Specialized armadillos)

Hurts: Minor muscle soreness to be expected after over 450 miles and 25,000' of climbing

Day 5: Prineville, OR to John Day, OR - 116.5 miles, Climb-3,083'

A long day with several climbs above 4,300'. The landscapes shift from desert to grasslands with many big cattle ranches. Lots of great views and thrilling, winding downhills today. As long as we mentally break the day down into small sections it is very doable. There are many fossil hunters around John Day. Our dinners are usually good but the chicken tonight was very dry. The water pitcher should have been labeled "dipping sauce". On to the next town tomorrow.

Roadkills: 52

Flats: 0

Hurts: The training is paying off, all is well.

Day 4: Kah-Nee-Tah, OR to Prineville, OR 61 miles - Climb 3,300'

Another beautiful ride with no problems. Reaching the top of one of the climbs several of us got off to take photos and Howard (Our oldest rider at 79 years old) said it sure is great to be on this side of the road. Across the highway was a cemetary. Had a few sweet decents today. The area is mostly irrigated grasslands so the fields are green. The group is starting to get to know one another. We have several guys from Switzerland, one from G.B., a few from Canada, and one from Scotland. We also have riders from 23 different states. Tom and I are the only ones from Washington.

Roadkills: 27 (Several rattlesnakes, deer and UFOs (Unidentified Flattened Objects)
Flats: 0
Hurts: Nothing significant

Day 3: Welches, OR to Kah-Nee-Ta, OR - 64 miles - Climb 5,150

Started the day with a long climb that took us around Mt. Hood with temps in the low 50s. Coming down the mountain being buffeted by 18 wheelers was scary. The topograghy has changed drastically. We started the day in the alpine Pacific Northwest and are now in desert sagebrush with temps in the mid 80s. It looks like the old TV show Bonanza could have been filmed a few miles from here. Hard to believe we are only three days into this as a routine has already formed. Missing Belle dearly but we at least get to talk and text daily.

Roadkill count: 12
Flats: 0
Hurts: Sore hands from constant braking and roughchip/seal roads