Day 5, Prineville, OR to John Day, OR, 117 miles and 5000 feet of climbing.  Today just may have been the best day I ever spent on a bicycle!!  Left the motel at 5:45 am and went down the road ¼ mile to a Starbucks.  When I walked In the Barista calls out, “Two double shots of Espresso spaced 3 minutes apart for Jayonthebike.”  I handed her a wad of cash, she gave me some change and soon I was downing my morning nectar and I was out the door.  It was a chilly 48 degrees and the sun was just peaking through the forest canopy and over the mountains.  For awhile I was wishing I had worn more clothes but I slowly warmed up and was spinning smoothly.  The first 30 miles was all uphill.  We went from 2800 ft. above sea level to 4750 feet.  The road was good and the mountains were heavily forested with pines.  At the peak we immediately descended down to 2300 ft. above sea level, over 15 miles.  It was a VERY fast descent.  We then began a very steep climb to 4500 ft. over 10 miles.  From there It was all downhill for the remainder of the ride.  After the first pass the terrain became more rocky and arid.  We went through several canyons and had some awe inspiring views.  I was comfortable, strong and relaxed on the bike all day.  I was on the bike for 8 hours and averaged 14.4 miles per hour. It was a great ride with very agreeable weather as the humidity was low and the temp was 75 degrees with clear blue skies.  Oh....and the weather forecast for tomorrow is equally as positive and rumor has it that the route is better than today's!!

 

Pic of food at or SAG stops.

 

After 30 miles of steady climbing this sign elicited sensations of pure orgasmic bliss!!

 

Pic of road just climbed.

 

Pic of road just waiting to be climbed.

 

Slipping through this canyon at 35 mph was other worldly!

 

The views were awe inspiring.

 

Today's route elevation map.