USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

Day 5, 8 August: Moro to Fossil, OR

Day 5 was another tough day.  We started out of Cottonwood Canyon with a 22-mi climb. Truly a beautiful morning, heating up as the sun rose. At our first rest stop we had a panoramic view of all 5 major volcanic mountains and a lot of distance we’ve already pedaled.

Mid-ride our navigation system, Ride with GPS, tried to route us around the small town of Condon, OR.  However, it was missing a cue which resulted in Dave taking a left turn out into the boondocks. While we attempted to redirect him by radio, we decided to just ride through town to get back on course. By pure coincidence, K’Lynn Lane, the director of the local Chamber of Commerce who unknown to us had already met Sally and heard all about us, happened to see us coming and was taking pictures as we approached. She invited us in, offered water and a bathroom break, and gave us a typically enthusiastic small-town welcome. 

We had a 10-mile descent and another 10-mile climb in the heat before dropping into Fossil, OR. All in all, a very challenging day especially after yesterday. It seems like we’re all getting stronger even as we’re more tired. These three days are sort of a test to get us ready for the rest of the ride.

We honored Jack Allen and Dave rides again tomorrow for Steve Coats, Jack’s roommate who died in the same accident with him.

Fossil is another quaint town we would never see if we weren’t on this ride. The Hyatt House B&B is comfortable, everything is walking distance and there are a few sights you wouldn’t find just anywhere. And yes, there are fossils here for the finding.

The support crew has been doing a tremendous job of anticipating our needs and meeting us when we need them most.  We would never have made it this far without all of their help!

Up early again tomorrow for another day of two major climbs, hopefully not as steep as today.  Then a welcome day off in Mitchell, OR.

Bill Montgomery