I took a powerline road for a while. Slower going, but a little more interesting than the slated route.
Rosie was tested on sand-handling. Mostly Ok, but her 2.3” tires weren’t very inspiring in the deep stuff.
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Water break. Both intake and output.
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You can't hide, Sister.
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Lunch break in the town of Alfalfa along the irrigation canal.
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Back on pavement. The Sisters lead the way. The chaparral here looks very familiar.
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This beautiful horse had some sort of magical force of seduction as I found myself being pulled off the road to stop.
That face!
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Miles and miles later, I finally arrive in Bend at rush hour, but the traffic isn’t much of a bother.
Lots of bike friendly ways to navigate the round-abouts and intersections.
My gracious host is hardly bothered by a grungy-road-weary bike traveler. Many thanks to Merilee!
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I'm among like-minded friends. Bike friendly parking! Rosie takes her place in the pecking order.
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Next morning, I got a lift up the road to Sisters. My knee was thankful to shave off a few miles of the days ride – a long one which included the monster climb up to the McKenzie Pass.
Getting caught up with all the goings-on about Merilee and Greg’s new life in Bend was such a fantastic bonus.
Their home and neighborhood is lovely, but I barely got to see much of the city. It’s a good excuse for another visit.
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On the road heading through Sisters. No escaping them, they’re with you always.
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A long afternoon of headwinds while grinding up to the pass. There's more wind and cold at the top. I’m spent.
A quick lunch, then head on down through the lava field to the forest.
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And just like that, Badda Bing, back in the green!
Great downhill rewards are now at hand. No traffic, so I cut Rosie loose on the hairpin turns.
Tonight, I’m camping at Paradise campground.
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Crossing the river. I am dreaming of what the diner has for take out and cold beer.
I wish I had more time to watch these guys. Got to get to the diner before they close!
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A long day. Once again, I slept like brick in my little tent. Night after night of quality restful sleep. Bike touring has many blessings.
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Good morning from the busy McKenzie Highway. Too many logging trucks!
I will ride the highway to Eugene to catch my overnight train to Van Nuys.
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Fairly uneventful riding most of the afternoon. But I finally I transitioned to the bike paths just outside of town.
They are wonderfully quiet and car-free.
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One last river crossing. The station is getting close. Thankfully I have plenty of time for some take out food then get the bike ready for train-mode.
And just like that, the realization comes that the last of the riding will be ending very soon. The adventure is winding down. Gah, just a few more days? Nope.
Just across Willamett St. is Smith Family Bookstore (smithfamilybookstore.com) full of inexpensive used books. Highly recommended before you board an overnight train to Southern California!
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Transitioning to train travel with 24+ hours of inactivity is quite a mental game after being a human engine for the last 12 days.
After dinner on the dining car, some stretching and a hot shower, I finally settled to down into my bunk.
Funny, you don’t really know where you are when you peer out the window first thing in the morning. (Above: Oakland?)
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Later that night in Van Nuys, the Coast Starlight pulled away from the platform while I lashed and strapped everything back on the bike.
The rear tire needed air again. I could see sealant bubbling through several small punctures. It’ll get me home then that’s it for the rear tire.
The dark ride through the valley wasn’t exactly pleasant but I was laser focused to get back home.
Round 11:30 PM I rolled in the driveway where it all started. Reunited with wife, cat and my own bed. Jubilation!
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If you’ve done any bike touring, or have questions about trips like this, I’d love to hear. Leave a comment below. The comment password is: life is good