Friday 29 July 2011

Day 85 Mitchell to Prineville

Todays 'easy day' started with a testing 10 mile ascent up on to the Ochaca Pass followed by a 'flat' 30 mile dezcent with headwind into Prineville where I am now sat having a latte in Starbucks. Once again the cafe designated for lunch on the Q sheets was closed down. It's not just the UK in recession.

Today was also my final day in the camp kitchen so with the help of my sous-chef Jack  ( pictured below) I treated the group to my speciality wan kai thai red fish curry with petit pois followed by a desert of tri berry parfait topped with yoghurt a.d drizzled with honey. Had to substitute red snapper for cod but it seemed to work as they all came back for more.

Tomorrow we are staying on a ranch and as it is a short day and they dont want us there too early we are actually having a 7AM breakfast. And about time too!

Miles Today 54
Total        4406








Day 84 Prarie City to Mitchell

Todays ride was the wrong way round for me. 50 mile descent followed  by 30 mile ascent followed by 5 mile descent into town. Only to find no showets and all the restaurants closed. So instead of the scheduled eating out night Terry and Jason saved the day by servi.g up an improvised meal of hot dogs, Jasons 'pasta like momma makes' and fruit salad.
The ride today was pretty tough and very hot in the afternoon as we were climbing up an amazingly  scenic canyon. I feel on this trip that I have been on the set of every Cowboy and Indian film that I have ever seen.
Also met a couple of bikers Greg and Chuck ( who was on the inaugural 1976 Transam ride and sporting a rather fine Bianchi cycling shirt) and who were good company on the hill. They ended up staying on our campsite and our chefs very kindly offered them our leftovers and we even let them cool their warm beer in our ice bag.
Very generous us Transamers.

Miles today: 84
Total miles: 4,350