Day 4 Journal Warm Springs to Prineville Oregon

Another perfect day to be on a bicycle! Luggage truck loaded by 7:15 and I was off down the steep hill that led up to the Ka-Nee-Ta Resort. It was a fast down for about three quarters mile, and then out on to rte 8. Most of the population is American Indian as this resort and casino was on a reservation. We made a gradual climb out of the box canyon area and into Warm Springs. Most of the riders were spread out today, but there are little groups forming and people are finding their own pace. Coming into a small town near Warm Springs we rode along the Deschutes River. Then at about mile 13 we started a 5% grade climb for 4 miles. We were then into more farming country and saw many fields being irrigated. Quite a lot of hay was freshly cut and being racked. It was a beautiful sight to be riding along and still look off into the distance and see the mountain peaks. But this will be the last time we see them, and our last glimpse was just outside the town we are staying in.
You've probably read in the newspapers about those two soldiers that were slain in Iraq. Madras is the home of one of them and when we came up to our first SAG rest stop at mile 31 we could see a long fence where many balloons, handwritten notes, banners and flags were hung. The town had flags flying everywhere. Tom Tucker is being remembered in this small town here in Oregon. The town is grieving for the family and the loss of our soldier. It was a moving experience riding by this on our way through town.
I rode for a while with Mike who lives in San Diego. He has just retired from the Navy and has taken time to ride one leg of this trip - Astoria to Casper, WY. He couldn't take time to go the whole route as he has a new job waiting for him. He told me about all the travels he did in the Navy, and he has been all over the world. As I came near Prineville Nancy came up behind me and she stopped for a photo of some big huge wooden chair. We both were hungry for some lunch and at the edge of town we went into a great Mexican restaurant. A couple of other bikers had stopped there too. Enjoyed some homemade food, and then we found the Best Western down the road.
I was so glad today was not terribly windy, as the last time I rode this it was so hot and windy that I was about trashed when I got in. But today was just wonderful, and such an enjoyable ride. A number of riders were feeling the freshness of their legs was just not there today. Some had been pushing it pretty hard these first 4 days, and it is catching up with them. I seem to be pacing myself well, and can't say I'm hurting. Now after tomorrow -- may be a different story!
Route Rap was at 4:30 this afternoon and the main thing stressed was DRINK, DRINK, DRINK water all the rest of this day in preparation for the blistering heat and long mileage tomorrow. It will be a 117 mile day with some serious climbs. We were told to pull over where ever the vans are along side of the road and fill our water bottles. Keep them full and drink, and pour some water over the body if we feel stressed from the heat. We don't want anybody dehydrating or bonking. I am looking forward to this little cafe that sat at the bottom of the first big climb. They had the most delicious, fresh from the oven pie the last time I came through. I know it carried me up and over the climb! Hope they still are out there and have some pieces of pie left by the time I get there. There are some super riders in this group and they go by me like I'm standing still. But tomorrow I think all most everyone is going to feel the effects of the 90 + degree heat that is forecast.
I ate dinner at the Apple Peddler next door. We had several choices to choose from on the menu. I sat with Dawn and Bill who live out in Tucson, AZ. It was fun to talk to them - I go to Tucson nearly every winter and have taken my bike out several times too. So they told me some places to ride out there. Bill was discribing his bike rides up Mt. Lemon. I was impressed, as that is a 25 mile non-stop climb to the summit of some 9,000'. They are going cross country riding a tandem. After dinner I went next door to the grocery store and bought things to have breakfast in my room. I'll have a wake up call for 4:00 AM. I have to eat and let it settle and then get out to the Budget Truck where we will load luggage at 5:30 AM. Breakfast is scheduled for 5:45 at the restaurant next door, but they are really slow, and I want to get out on the road and beat some of the heat. So I hope to be out on the road just after 5:30 AM. Hey, Debbie and Peg -- you remember the ride from Prineville to John Day, don't you!!! It was a killer wasn't it? Well it looks like a repeat this time around.
Road Kill count: ONE rattle snake! 1 bungee, and a banana peel (not mine!)
Bananas: 3 (they still taste good 4 days into the trip)
Terrain: rolling to climbing and flattened out at the end. 60 miles today.
Weather: Dry, very warm mid 80's. Sunny and a slight cooling wind.
I'm having a wonderful time. God Bless this beautiful country. There is nothing like being on a bicycle and seeing this incredible scenery.