Day 71: John Day, OR to Mitchell, OR (73.7 miles)
Strenuous day, with miles of gradual incline and hot temperatures, but outstanding scenery, as usual. The first 40 miles of the ride, through Mount Vernon and Dayville were level and a combination of farms and rock formations. We visited the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, an amazing collection of mammal fossils, post the dinosaur era. The area is still a very active site of new discoveries.
Once we left the Visitor Center, we started a gradual ascent (2-3% for 25 miles) to get to Keyes Creek Summit (4,382 ft). A 6.5 mile (!) descent into Mitchell was awesome. Our destination is the Spoke’n Hostel, a real oasis, very comfortable, roomy, with a nice shower, WiFi, kitchen, etc. It’s designed for bikers.
As of today, 6 riding days left before we get to Florence! I’ve ridden a total of 3743 miles so far.
Image above: Entering the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossil beds near the Visitor Center
Collection of vintage cars near Mount Vernon
Ranger Ricky (Patty) and her assistant (Gerri) at the Visitor Center
Rock formations near the fossil beds
Reaching Keyes Creek Summit
Hay farm near Dayville
Funny welcome sign
Outside of Mount Vernon
Mitchell area landscape
Hay rake
Not a sign seen in New York
