Day 6, John Day, OR to Baker City, OR, 81 miles and 4650 feet of climbing:  If yesterday was my best ever day on the bike, then today wasn’t!!  Despite perfect weather and incredible scenery, it was just a long, painful day.  We headed east on Highway 26 and and after 28 miles to a left onto Route 7.  Right out of John Day City we immediately began climbing.  Today’s ride included 3 significant climbs to an altitude of approximately 5200 feet.  The descents were long and fast but the climbs were just plain slow and miserable.  I just could not get into a spinning rhythm and was never comfortable.  Oh well…….guess I just over did it yesterday.  The scenery was once again “top shelf”.  At one point we rode parallel to the Strawberry Mountain range and were treated to the view of several snow capped peaks far off in the distance.  There were numerous cattle ranches with wide, long meadows framed by rugged mountains.  We were either in semi-arid or lush mountain pines.  Coming into Baker City we followed the rapidly twisting and fast flowing Powder River.  Sitting here reflecting on the day and the natural beauty of what we traveled through the memories of being uncomfortable and in pain are slipping away.  I can’t wait to ride again tomorrow!!!

 

Nothing gets me going like two double E cups!!

 

 

The Strawberry Mountain Range

 

Lots of cattle.

 

You know its really difficult to have a bad day when all you have to do is ride your bike!!