Today was perfection--weather, road surface, polite traffic, amazing scenery, and Roy found a home for the pump. The planets aligned for us.
Leaving Sisters we had a great view of the Sisters Mountains. The road was level, shady, and had little traffic.
When the climb started, we were in our very bottom gear, but somehow, it never seemed that difficult. Although we had read that we would pass a lava flow, when we actually came to where we could see that the road ran right through a lava field, we were amazed by its extent.
The road twisted through the volcanic rocks that in places towered over our heads.
When we got to the top, two hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail took our picture. They started in Canada in July and expect to finish in Mexico in November.
We enjoyed the scene at the top, everyone enjoying the beautiful Sayurday. Climbing up to the Dee Wright Observatory revealed an excellent view of many peaks.
It was 15 miles to the top and then about 25 shady miles downhill. Traffic was light and quite patient, waiting until we waived them to pass us. Soon we came to MacKenze Bridge, where we thought we were staying. Actually, our motel is 3 miles further down the road in Rainbow.
Right next to our motel is a newly opened Nike shop, Blazing Saddles Cyclery. Roy rode over to check it out.
He deemed it a worthy home for the pump, and Avery, the store manager, was happy to accept it.
Except for the fact that the wifi is sketchy, Rainbow meets our basic needs: motel, bike shop, grocery store, and restaurant. Besides a gas station, there doesn't seem to be much else within walking distance. The restaurant was packed by 5:30.
Tomorrow we ride to Eugene. It should be around 50 flat miles. We are hoping the traffic will be light on Sunday morning.