Jim's Ride Across America: Day 57 Mt Vernon, OR to Prineville, OR

Yorktown, VA to Prineville, OR, Completed 3,889 Miles
Average 71 Miles/Day, Estimated Finish July 12, 2015

Biking Detail Mt Vernon, OR to Prineville, OR

Day 57 Tuesday, July 7

Started biking at 5:20 am to beat afternoon heat and to get in a hopeful century ride. When we got to Mount Vernon we saw smoke coming from hills nearby and looked to be direction we were heading! Had awful feeling this apparent new forrest fire could be a threat, however as we continued seemed to be skirting it. Just before Dayville we began to see the flood of fire equipment heading in the opposite direction, heading up the gulch. Caravan after caravan of forrest fire trucks and equipment went by. Just past Dayville was what is called an Incident Camp (see photos). Hundreds of firefighter tents...mess tents, etc...a huge camp. Fortunately for us we were unaffected and continued westward on 26 and up to Keyes Creek Summit, about 56 miles.

The ride up to the summit through the John Day Fossil bed area on the Ochoco Highway (US 26) was spectacular. The climb begins about 30 miles in. Hard to believe that centuries ago this area was a tropical jungle inhabited by the rhinoceros, saber-toothed tiger, giant sloth, and the forerunner of today's miniature horse. The grade was low about 2%-4% most of the way. Just a 26 mile long slog up the pass. Was glad to see the top of Keyes Creek summit (4,382). The ride down was great.

At 6 miles down we stopped in Mitchell. Only 10:50 but decided to have early lunch as nothing else until Prineville (48 miles and another even higher pass to go over!) About ten miles out of Mitchell the steady upward climb to Ochoco Summit began. Very long for hot afternoon and pretty consistent 6% grade for about 12 miles!!

Based on the pictures Margie took the Ochoco Mountains were very scenic but my nose was to the pavement. Thank goodness for the frequent cold water stops. Don't think I could have carried enough water to get me over this one. Reached the summit about 2:15. Ride down to Prineville was 32 miles but seemed a lot longer. Was a steady gradual down grade, not the usual steep declines we've have had on other passes.

The 32 miles to Prineville seemed to take forever. Not surprising after 100 mile day with temps in the mid-nineties! Got to the Stafford Inn, our lodging for the night, at 3:45! Happy for an air conditioned room and a cold beer!!