Day 62, Saturday, June 21



It was in the low 40s when we woke up in the derelict RV park. We packed up, had coffee and oatmeal, said our goodbyes to Ian, and headed out. 

Hai had his Subaru set up to sleep in the back, so he had parked in the Brogan City Park. He later told me he left at 6:45, thinking we were already gone. I think we were still having our coffee, so he could have joined us. Next time, Hai.

The morning was a little cold for riding, but we soon warmed up on the first climb of the day. The sun was just coming up so we were riding into and out of the sun. My fingers and toes were cold but otherwise I was comfortable enough.

John and I had the same reaction when we saw the sign at the top of the climb. We had just pedalled loaded bikes up 1300 feet in six miles, and the sign mocked us by calling it a hill. 


The ride leveled out for a while, rolling a little, for probably fifteen miles. The wind was blowing straight in our faces. We had to take a break every few miles to hydrate or eat or adjust layers.

Eventually we started the second climb of the day. The sign there was more respectful.

From there we had a nice descent, but the wind destroyed any enjoyment we might draw from it. We were tied and hungry. The only thing keeping us going was a store in Unity that Ian had told us about. 

The store was better than expected: there was a cafe in the back. A burger and fries have never been more appreciated. 

After Unity we had the third climb of the day. Somehow we made it up.

Our destination for the night was the Bates State Park Campground, but first we made a stop at the Austin House, a restaurant at the turnoff for the campground. There we met a couple from Boise, Rhonda and John, on a bicycle tour. They were staying at the park, too.


The campground is set up for cyclists. They have some hiker biker sites (tent sites reserved for people traveling under their own power), but we went for the cyclist shelter, a large pavilion where you can just set up your sleeping bag. The others set up their tents for warmth and privacy, but I just threw my bag on the ground.

Fortunately most touring cyclists are on the same schedule. We were all in bed by 8:00. John and I had our biggest day climbing of the tour, 4700 feet, and we needed sleep.

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