Day One in the Book - and it was EPIC

Sitting in the blogmobile pondering the days events, it is hard to think of what all to include in my post. The day was not a long one, a run of about 45 or so miles from Elgin to Enterprise without the option into Joseph. Still, the miles for. The day we mainly uphill. And hey, even when the grade is only a percent or so - when it's uphill it's uphill.

The day started with a temperature rumored during breakfast to be around 29 degrees. Yes! People emerged from their frosty shelters to see bikes covered in nice frosty goodness.












Still, with the sun emerging, it was time to break camp and get out on the road. Getting out of camp at around 8:30am is not as early as I would have liked, but it is a short day. The first sign of exactly how long the trip would last came just a bit out of Elgin beginning the first climb of the day.






I have mentioned before that my commitment this year was to do more "slowing down and smelling the roses." The first opportunity to do so came not too far into the ride. Up ahead I spied a cool replica stagecoach parked outside the front of a little house. Photo opportunity number one of the day.






Well, it was not long before the owner of the house emerged to let us know the history of this place. This house - which was literally in the middle of nowhere - was the last stop during the wagon train days for folks crossing the Minam Grade to swap horses for the upcoming grueling climb across the pass. Very cool.

Even better than that was the the opportunity for a few of us listening to be offered a swig (or many) of some homemade apple cider whiskey. Well, who can resist that? Not me. And I have to tell you, it was some damned good moonshine there. Mmmm. Darned good thing I was on the trike (no wobbles) Kidding - I am not THAT much of a lightweight.












Now, this is the type of thing that makes stopping worthwhile. Not because there's a chance of locals emerging with free booze, but this little bit of history and chance to shake hands and share company with the. Locals only happens when you STOP.

After the climb, we were met with an absolute incredible view before starting the downhill.






The downhill was incredible of course. I will have to save the video footage for a post - Cycle Oregon video. That led up to the first ODS rest stop of the day, where we got to have some incredible espresso served up. By bike too.






Cruising along to Enterprise, peeling the miles away, the scenery was as good as it can get on a Cycle Oregon. The weather was perfect with little to no wind and maintaining a comfortable pace was sublime.












After pulling into Enterprise and getting cleaned up, it was time for a return to Terminal Gravity Brewery. The place was simply hopping with people. Great food and awesome beer. Hard to ash for a better afternoon after a nice days ride.












After returning to camp, time to have dinner with 2,000 plus fellow Cycle Oregonians and then on to the nights entertainment. Tomorrow will be a crazy day. I am sure it will be EPIC.

Stay tuned!