Day 5 – Survivor. Bicycle edition.

June 22, 2018
Day 5 – Prineville to John Day, OR – 116 miles, 6,080 feet vertical

Well, we got it done. And now that it’s over, we can all breathe easier.

So we executed to plan and the “hammer” team left the hotel a little after 6:30am. It was a crisp clear morning and I joined the paceline with Randy, Rich, Tami, Jay and Garry. We all agreed to keep the pace reasonable and not to drop anyone. This policy was mostly directed at me and I warned everyone that I might get dropped on the climbs. “No, today is a ‘no drop’ day. We’ll wait for you,” said both Randy and Rich.

Well, I felt the love on the first climb as everyone kept looking out for me. “Jeff, you ok?” “Pull it back a little and let Jeff catch up.” And … so on. Truth be told, I can hold my own on the flats, but I’m no climber. “Just like André Greipel,” said Rich. (Greipel is a world class sprinter who can blow people away on the flats but has to haul his frame up and over the mountains in the Tour de France.). I thought this was way too complimentary, but as with any nickname that is repeated often enough, it sticks even if not true. So, now I’m André. Anyway, we stayed together for the better part of 75 miles and then I rode solo the rest of the trip.

And a most beautiful trip it was. We biked over two mountain passes: the Ochoco Pass at 4,720 feet and Keyes Creek Summit at 4,369 feet. We flew down from the Ochoco Pass and just wanted more. The trip through the canyons was spectacular and even the long gradual climb up to John Day was beautiful. I finished at 3:15 with a little over 7 hours of actual riding time.

At the Best Western, I sat in the hot tub for awhile and soaked my aching muscles and finished off the renewal with a few laps in the pool. Ah, feeling human again. It’s another tough day tomorrow with three big climbs.

Click on the first photo below for an annotated slide show and don’t forget to click on “Where’s Jeff” at jeffblye.com

It’s hammer time …

… as the train leaves the station.

Is Jeff still with us?

Babe is looking cool as a cucumber near the top of Ochoco pass.

SAG 1

SAG 1 at Ochoco pass, elevation 4,720 feet

Jay shows off his bike standing skills. This is actually a video.

Cruising…

Taking a breather from the descent.

Yes, it is.

This sign was very depressing.

Second summit of the day.

Glad that’s over.

Moving on …

Tami demonstrates how to turn a pile of asphalt into a chair…

… while Rich and Randy opt for something softer.

Lunch break with ABB staffer Judy.

Getting the kinks out.

Ready to rock and roll.

I was all set to snap a great pick when this pick-up decided he wanted to be in the shot.

Stunning …

Stunning …

Yup …

Hey, Sheriff, got any food?

Now we’re talking.

Last mile into town.

Ahhhhhhhh…….

Abbe Is looking pretty strong going up Ochoco pass.