Day 11 Sea to Sea Baker City to Huntington 47 miles

Day 11 Sea to Sea Baker City to Huntington 47 miles

Time in the saddle was 3 hours and 17 minutes. We left at 7 AM and arrived at 1130. Along the way we stopped numerous times to take pictures, relax, visit, and talk to strangers about our tour.

The ride was delightful as it was mostly downhill. The terrain is very barren and with desert conditions, mountains are barren and very isolated. We did have to ride on Interstate 84 for 14 miles, which was a little scary as there was construction on the highway and on a bridge. The shoulders for us were reduced to 2 feet beside trucks barreling past us at 55 miles per hour. Several people had panic attacks as we crossed the bridge. Fortunately we had no accidents and everyone arrived in camp safely. Ed Witvoet has done an excellent job of finding nice quiet roads for us to cycle on when he can. When we end up on the interstate we realize how blessed we have been to have the quiet country roads that we have had.

Along the way today in addition to the normal SAG stops we stopped at a rest area along the interstate where we chatted with a number of people who wanted to know what all the cyclists they were seeing on the highway were doing. Most people when they hear what we are doing and why, are really awed by it and can hardly believe what they are hearing.

We also found a quiet spot just before we got into Huntington where we could soak our feet and cool water in an irrigation canal. It felt sooo good as we were starting to get very hot. The temperature is supposed to go up to 96 today so we wanted to get in before the full heat of the day hit. As I am writing this, we have set up camp and everyone is trying to find a cool place to sit, read, or sleep. The school where we are staying is not air-conditioned so any shady place found is treasured. There are also no shade trees in the back of the school where our tents are located. All the tents are sitting out in the open football field where the sun is beating down on them.

As it was a short riding day most people beat the support vehicles into camp. Many people were here by 10 and the gear truck did not get unloaded till 1 PM. I find it interesting that this year I have been into camp 4 days before the gear truck arrived. In 2005, I managed to get into camp before the gear truck only once or twice. This year I am consistently getting out earlier to help Hank beat the heat as he has more difficulty than I. This year it is also much hotter and sunnier than in 2005. My tan is getting very dark even though I am wearing suntan lotion. I have only worn my jacket two days to start and only one day when it was raining. One this trip, on cool mornings I started by wearing arm warmers, but they are off by the first SAG stop which is usually 10-15 miles out of camp.

The weather forecast, so far tells us we will continue to have hot dry weather for the next 5 days. We are reminded to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration and bonking or hitting the wall in cyclist’s terms. If we bonk it will take several hours to get our energy back for the ride. So it is extremely important that we stop regularly, eat and drink to keep our body fluids up and our energy level consistent. I do not eat much along the way but will eat ¼ sandwich or half of an energy bar or a cheese stick. I may also eat some fruit like a banana, orange or raisins. Sandwiches do not taste as good as they did in 2005, probably because it is hotter and drier. At the end of the ride I crave a large container of cold chocolate milk. It just seems to satisfy my thirst and is a good source of protein. Some cyclists love to stop for ice cream or other foods that they crave. When we finish riding, you will observe everyone eating when they first get into camp just to replenish their energy. Most cyclists find it difficult to start the day on a full stomach; therefore they are very hungry when they get into camp. At suppertime, the guys all go back for seconds or thirds depending, as they seem to be burning more calories. Cyclists are known to burn over 6000 calories riding 80 miles or more. Today my garmin (which is my bike computer) told me I burned 3500 calories riding 46 miles.

Hank is feeling really good and does not seem to have any problems with his feet or bottom. Unlike Hank, my feet continue to hurt after several hours of riding and I look for some cold water to cool my feet. I also have a sore bottom, but it is not getting worst. Hopefully, I will be OK by the time I start the longer days next week.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. We know God has been providing for us and protecting our group as we bike across the country. We are truly blessed.
This are Hank and my dresser drawers for the 9 weeks on the Sea to Sea
Inside the gear truck
Hank and my home for the 9 weeks on the bike tour
Farmer John(who rode in Sea to Sea in 2005) his wife and son-in-law Brent DeVries visiting camp. John misses the community and fellowship that the Sea to Sea tour is all about.



Cyclists relaxing in the little bit of shade in Huntington

Joy and Doug Lutke and Rick DeRitter in front of the Oregon Trail marker
Doug and Rick relaxing at the irrigation canal just before we hit Huntington. Cool place to relax
A group of cyclists cooling off and replenishing our electrolyts after a hot ride. Note the safety vests reflections which the flash hits them. These vests are great for visibility and reflection in rainy conditions. Bob Brouwer, Pat and Bill Drache, Marti DuPlessis Hank and I enjoying a cold drink
Lou Haveman taking a rest after a hot ride. Notice his new hair cut.
Several of our super kitcher staff eagerly working to prepare our fabulous meals

Scenery along the road from Baker City to Huntington
Horse ranch along the road
Old farm along the road