Day 9, 12 August: John Day to Unity, OR
Not a very long day — 49 miles — but it felt like it to me. We started at 54 degrees in John Day at 0530, but it dropped to 43 a few miles outside town. The sun broke the horizon just short of Sally’s first rest stop and was shining directly in my eyes. I almost ran into the SAG wagon before I saw her.
We had 2 long climbs of 7 and 3.5 miles; the second one felt as long as the first to me. We warmed up nicely on the first climb and Dave, Ron and I gave up our jackets at the stop on top. Big mistake — the descent dropped us back into the 40s with wind chill. Then it was close to 80 by the time we got in. The last leg included an optional short cut with 2 miles of gravel — the Trek handled it well, but Ron and Dave completed it also!
it was a pretty ride, with an overlook of Strawberry Mountain, which is the headwaters of the John Day River we’ve been following for several days. We also traversed 2 national forests with impressive trees.
We made it into Unity before noon and had a leisurely afternoon to recuperate before tomorrow’s challenge. We’re camping in tents at the Unity Lake State Park tonight. Mark prepared a great dinner of grilled pork chops and corn on the cob, and for dessert a chocolate cake to celebrate Sally’s birthday!
We honored John Yepsen and ride for 2 of our classmates from 3rd Company tomorrow. I will ride for Randy Reinhardt and Ron will take Bruce Bachman.
We’ve now completed over 450 miles and 30,000 feet of climb. Definitely turning in early tonight to rest up for a looong day tomorrow. Wish us luck.
Bill Montgomery
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
Leave a comment