Day 8, 11 August: Mitchell to John Day, OR
Day 8 was fairly long with one climb and descent but otherwise a gentle rise most of the day. Cold in the morning – I’m breaking out the jacket for tomorrow. Hot by 1100, I was taking breaks every 5 miles after the halfway point.
I did OK on the first climb, but faded on the descent and flat. My Trek just doesn’t have the speed. We had our first two flat tires, Ron and then Doug. Mark and the SAG responded and got them back on the road expeditiously. I caught up with Doug after his flat and we finished together. Tes was a speed demon, 10 mis ahead of the rest at one point (he admitted later he probably overdid it). Ron did great as well, getting stronger all the time.
We followed the John Day River pretty much the whole way, not much else of note enroute. In Dayville the café was closed “Taking our daughter to college, back 23 Aug” or something to that effect. The mercantile across the street had free coffee, and a row of building fronts that looked like a small movie set.
On arrival in John Day we were met by Will Blood, a friend of Tom’s with the Oregon State Police, who had arranged an interview with us by the local paper. It should be published next Wednesday or the Wednesday after, and hopefully will make the wire services.
We had dinner with Will at a local brew pub, then back for a belated evening quarters. We honored Ray Herring, and Ron will ride tomorrow for John Yepsen of 2nd Co.
Tomorrow is only 48 mis to Unity but with another 3575 feet of climb. We’ll be camping at the state park there so likely no cell or wifi service, therefore may not be able to update this blog until Sunday.
The next day will be our biggest challenge to date in terms of distance and heat: 87 miles which will take us well into the afternoon, luckily only 1575 feet of climb. We all need to be aware of our own condition, but Mark will be monitoring us as well and will make the final call if he thinks we need to be off the road.
The day after that is Boise, a day off with Tom Simmonds and other alumni and the end of Stage 1!
Bill Montgomery
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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