Day 7 - Sumpter to Baker City

Day 7
Saturday April 5th, 2008
Sumpter to Baker City

Alison and I rode by ourselves today to Baker City, a fast 29 miles from Sumpter. The ride was mostly downhill. Although we didn't have a bike computer, it seemed like we were riding fast. Not fast enough, however, for a pickup truck that wanted to pass us on a curve. As the truck went by, a very large man with very large sausage fingers said something to us through his open window and then flipped us off. This was the only time on the trip when someone gave us a sign as they passed.

As we talked about the event we wondered what would make someone do this. Are they mad that we are on the road and they had to slow down (losing precious seconds on their way to the all-you-can-eat lunch special in Baker City)? Do they harbor a secret desire to be on a bike but their own self-loathing and sheer mass prevents them? Do they hate the color of my bike helmet? Whatever the reason, it was clear they did not like us being on the road.

Tomorrow (Sunday, April 6th) is our last day of riding, as well as our longest. We have about 70 miles to Oxbow Dam. Both kids are feeling better and everyone seems to have rested legs.

Before the trip began I would have looked at 70 miles and thought "almost impossible", 40 miles would have been very long. Now, 40 miles seems like a jaunt and 70, although a long ride, seems doable. I guess we will see tomorrow!

Sumpter to Baker City

Distance: 29 miles
Time: ~ 2 hours