Day1: Myrtle Creek to Glendale
Date: 9/13/98
Miles: 64.94
Average Speed: 14.8mph
Time: 4h 22m
Weather: Sunny. 40-90 degree range.
I had been debating taking the optional 20 mile loop w/ 3880' elevation gain, but after getting to the lunch stop at 9.30am and reaching the turn-off at 10am, I would have ended up at camp by 11am or sooner. So I took it. I think we all knew I would. And I can tell you right now, it was 5 miles straight up. Well, it curved a bit, but even the curves were steep. It may not have been 10% grade all the way, but it probably averaged out to that. All I could think around every corner was "make the pain stop". The descent would have been great if it wasn't for the rough, wash-board road. (By the way, there were many instances of what we later found to be bear droppings on the ascent). I got to camp at 1pm. Glendale gave us some great performers, and the Oregon Trail Band (featuring original members of Quarter Flash) played last. They sound good as I write this. I can hear them from my tent. Note: next time I need paper clips to hang my mini-mag light from the tent roof. A head lamp would help too.
Day2: Glendale to Butte Falls
Date: 9/14/98
Miles: 79.97
Average Speed: 15mph
Time: 5h 18m
Weather: Sunny. 40-98 degree range.
Hot ride today. The morning was cool, but by the time I got to the 1000 foot elevation gain Galloway Gap, it started to get warm up the climbs. I wanted to stop to take off my jacket, but I was in a good rhythm. The Oregon Forestry Service doesn't quite believe that roads should only be a 6% grade. This one had to be 7 or 8%. That may not sound like much, but just try riding it some time.
The final climb of the day was in 95 degree heat with no wind blowing. My water bottle was warm enough to brew tea, but I made it in pretty well. I felt much better after a cool shower, then it was off to find ice cream. I got a sno-cone to tide me over during my rest in the shade. Then I got a line on some ice cream. I had a 16oz cup full of vanilla/chocolate swirl (yummy!) which I ate in the shade. I pretty much didn't leave that spot until I had to call Jada at around 5pm to wish her a happy birthday.
I listened to some music, chatted with a few people. One was Tye Witt, a frame builder near Yakima, WA. Didn't get a business card. He left them in his tent. He makes steel frames.
Good night. Ate way too much local pie. Mmmmm. Apple with whip cream. Going to be cold tomorrow morning and cooler during the day.
Day3: Butte Falls to Diamond Lake
Date: 9/15/98
Miles: 66.38
Average Speed: 13.6mph
Time: 4h 52m
Weather: Sunny. 40-85 degree range
I didn't write this yesterday when I did it, but there was nothing remarkable about the ride. A couple of false flats punished me towards the end, and a 500 foot section of road was missing that we had to walk across thanks to a sink hole. The camp site is great except there is no grass. But it's quiet. Spent the evening behind the main stage dangling my feet in the lake and watching Mt. Thielson change color as the sun set over Diamon Lake and behind Mt. Bailey. I remained back there for Craig Currothers, our main entertainment. He and his backing band were really good. After the show I got to shake hands with the band and Craig and thank them for a great set. They had a terrific sense of humor.
Day4: Diamond Lake to Diamond Lake (around the rim of Crater Lake)
Date: 9/16/98
Miles: 70.37
Average Speed: 13.3mph
Time: 5h 15m
Weather: Sunny. 37-75 degree range
Today was an optional loop up and around Crater Lake, so I waited to get our of bed until 6.30am since no bags needed to be packed. Got on the road by 7.45am for a 15 mile climb into the wind. It was cold, but not quite freezing. We each got a trinket for getting to the rest stop at the start of the rim. It was a difficult climb around, but it was rewarded by fast down hills. I took lots of pictures.
On the road, I saw a bunch of Intel Jerseys. I wore mine yesterday. I must have not received the memo. One of them was the main manager guy from MD6 whom I rode along with shortly and chatted with for a bit. I only did one loop around the lake. I would have had to push too hard to make the second loop before 4pm when everyone was to be off the rim. Though I know I would have made it, I also still have 3 days left. On the descent I got stung by a yellow jacket. I was flying, and I ran into it with my shin. I had a medic check it out when I got back to camp. Then I did the 11 mile loop around Diamond Lake to cool down. Pepe and the Bottle Blondes are tonight. Perhaps I'll pick up some new steps. Eat now.
Day5: Diamond Lake to Glide
Date: 9/17/98
Miles: 67.52
Average Speed: 19.7mph
Time: 3h 25m
Weather: Partly cloudy. 37-70 degree range
It was 37 degrees when I departed this morning. BRRR! Today was downhill pretty much all the way into Glide. I also stopped off at each of the 6 waterfalls along the route (OK, I missed one of them, but I did see the rest of them). I collected the playing cards passed out at each one. What a crappy hand, but I still got to put my name in the box for the opportunity to win prizes. However, as expected, i didn't win. It was still a pleasant ride. I forgot to mention that I had to hike to some of the falls. In all, I hiked 4.5 miles in cycling cleats in addition to my 67 miles of riding. Once in Glide, I took a tour of another falls to add another 1.25miles to my hiking. (this time in my normal shoes though). Bike rodeo tonight, and Umpqua ice cream pints for $2.00 were the other highlights.
Day6: Glide to Elkton
Date: 9/18/98
Miles: 76.21
Average Speed: 16.5mph
Time: 4h 36m
Weather: Rain. 40-65 degree range
I am the rain king. My summer camping trip streak remains unbroken. We were in for an all day soaker, but still, this was my best day of riding yet. I was strong and unstoppable, passing cyclists constantly until I hit a rock and pinch flatted. I got a bit of a knock in my wheel too. At least it was raining harder than at any other time during the day. Still it was my quickest change ever. The rain let up while I made camp and showered at least. The showers rolled through off and on during the evening. They held off during the announcements though. They're back now. Earlier, after I had eaten, there was a double full rainbow over the stage. The initial one was really vivid. wish I had brough my camera. Ohwell. In bed at 9.15pm.
Day7: Elkton to Myrtle Creek
Date: 9/19/98
Uneventful end of the tour. Cloudy and cool all day. No troubles. Beautiful ride. Thanks again for another great Cycle Oregon.