Ochoco Day 2-So Much Beauty…So Many Water Crossings!

I knew we were in for some creek crossings today. The last time I did this route there were three rideable crossings in quick succession. Yea, we had those, but they were definitely NOT rideable! We took our shoes and socks off and switched to sandals. 

Makaela crossing creek #1. 

Makaela and Deb on creek 2. 

Because we knew there was another one, we just rode in our sandals. 

Somewhat uncomfortable with clipless pedals!

Makaela would always try to ride it, but end up getting off. 

After the third crossing, I put my shoes back on. Deb put hers on too. Ginny was already riding in sandals, and Makaela decided she liked it, so left hers on. That was fortuitous because…

There was a 4th creek crossing. I gave up, and just walked through this one in my shoes. I figured they would dry anyway. 

As we co to used making our way, the scenery was pretty nice!

Cool rocks too!

We had a 5th crossing, but we were able to ride that one. Just before, we came upon one of our crew who was dusting herself off. There were some really bad dried mud ruts, and she had hit one and crashed. Thankfully, the body was okay, just a little scraped knee. We did the 5th crossing and then the road went steeply up. As she shifted into her easiest gear, the chain went into the spokes. We got it out, and back on the cog, but the derailleur was bent enough that in the easiest gear, it would drop into the spokes. We weren’t too far from Ashwood, so we decided we would try and fix it there. 

Ashwood! Land of snacks and drinks when most needed! I spent $10 on ice cream, trail mix, Rice Krispie treat, potato chips, Dr. Pepper, and a Gatorade! LUNCH! 

I tried to fix the bike, but wasn’t really successful. It was rideable, just not shifting well. Of course, right after Ashwood was a 4.8 mile climb. And it was hot!

I turned on my music and ground my way from shady spot to shady spot. 

We finally reached the top. Then it was a nice downhill. 

We were thinking this is Mt. Hood, but not sure. 

After the long climb we had a succession of shorter, but sometimes equally as steep climbs, something like 4 more of them. At the beginning of a mile long one, we had crossing number 6. Really, it was more of a puddle, and easily rideable. I didn’t even stop. 

Now that was a nice long downhill! 



Look how there’s even green grass beside the road! With green grass comes…you guessed it…more water crossing! 

This was the deepest one so far, and thankfully, the last…#7! Yes, my shoes had dried out nicely. Not anymore! But, it did feel quite nice walking through the cool water. 

With another 2 mile climb, we finally got sight of the John Day River. 

Now just had to get to Burnt Ranch Recreation Area and campground. 

We came down a nice long descent to the turn. We waited for Ginny, then headed down to the river. 

Here she comes!

It had been a long hot day of 45 miles. We actually have picnic tables tonight! There is another couple here from Olympia! Best of all, the guy was a bike mechanic! He worked on the bike. The derailleur is still going to need some work, but at least maybe the chain won’t end up in the spokes again. 

I’m actually finishing this post the next morning. I could not keep my eyes open any longer.