Sunday 31 July 2011

Day 87 Sisters to Mckenzie Bridge

I have to say that today has been up there with the best rides of the tour. After leaving the ranch early and riding the few miles into the 'boutique' trendy town of Sisters I could not resist calling in at the Sisters Coffee House for a latte and wholemeal apple muffin. On the eay out I bumped into Sally so I went back in and had another.

When the cycling finally started we had the small matter of the 10 mile ascent up to the volcanic lava fields of the Mckenzie Pass below Mount Washington. And it was glorious. No wind, good gradient, no RV's or trucks as road too narrow, and shade all the way up thanks to the tall trees on each side. And then at the top friendly tourists handi.g out ice cool water. The descent down the other side was even better. Ten miles of steep tree lined switchbacks all the way down, with a nice little deli at the end for lunch. Very civilised, only 46 miles, without doubt my kind of cycling.

And the icing on the cake. We are eating out tonight and only 2 more days before we get to Florence the official end of the route.

Miles Today  46
Total           4501










Day 86 Prineville to Sisters

Today has been gloriously easy so far, no wind, little hills and only 38 miles. The snow capped peaks in the pboto are the Cascades and are the last geographical barrier before we hit the Pacific Coast. We cross via the Mckenzie Pass which has only been open for two weeks. I can tell that we are getting closer to Seattle as the taste of the coffee is definately getting better, although I cant smell the ocean yet.

Tonight we are being hosted by Patti and Annrka on their ranch just outside Sisters. A beautiful house in an idyllic location with stunning views of the Cascades. And the added bonus of a natural freshwatet pool for swimming in the back garden. It had to be done.

Miles Today 46
Total          4455