Jacob Usher
Today is our second rest day of the trip. I’m not sure of the exact math, but we are 20% through the ride in my mind. This is a great milestone and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. It’s also a little scary to me because the days started to fly by at some point last week. A 75 mile day and 4000 feet of climbing is not quite as daunting anymore. Still, we have many days and many challenges ahead!
My favorite day of our week is the one before the rest day. Brian commented in Baker City that rest days are sort of like a Sunday. There is time to relax but usually chores to do and ‘Monday’ right around the corner. No worries because good food and weather left no room for the Sunday blues today!
Friend does organizes his gear for the next few days
We woke up early this morning to the sun rising in Mike and Billie’s backyard. We had enjoyed the stars and perfect weather without rain flys. Down jackets just so happen to block out the sun very effectively. Armed with that knowledge, we went back to sleep.
After a breakfast of huckleberry pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs, we went on a walk to run errands. Walking is a great way to shake out our legs after a long week of cycling. We spotted Hamilton’s weekly farmer’s market blocking off the streets. We treated ourselves to different snacks before continuing on our errands. I got lemonade and a kimchi grilled cheese which I may or may not have gotten all over my shirt I just washed.
The crew hits the the Hamilton farmers market
Kimchi grilled cheese and lemonade from the Hamilton farmers market
I think we walked about 10 miles in Baker City. We walked about 3 in Hamilton before starting to get some flashbacks. Mike generously picked us up from the grocery store and took us to the Coffee Cup Cafe. We met the owner (his aunt) and ate delicious slices of pie.
Brian houses a sandwich (aka an appetizer for pie) at the Coffee Cup Cafe
We have been doing bike cleaning, maintenance, and other tasks to get ready for the upcoming week since lunch. I’ve really enjoyed the afternoon’s slow pace and beautiful weather. Today has had by far the best weather of the trip. Maybe the best weather I’ve seen all year. No clouds, low humidity, 70 degrees, and a light breeze.
Michael performs tent pole surgery in Mike’s garage
This evening we will be cooking dinner over the fire pit and having peach cobbler for dessert.
Dinner in Mike’s backyard
Thank you to Mike and Billie for the hospitality and good luck Mike on your second ride along the Great Divide!
Thanks Mike!