Date: Saturday, June 28, 2003

Miles Ridden: 81.69

From: John Day, OR

To: Baker City, OR

Elevation Gain: 4,820

Today was the first day that the wear and tear has started to show on everyone. Team "Stop-A-Lot" (that's what we call ourselves because we stop to take pictures a lot) managed to get through the day just fine. More beautiful scenery. It is so much fun to listen to everyone exclaim how beautiful our state, my state, is.

On a persnal note, I am doing very well. The only spot that is wearing out a bit is my butt. I have to be very careful to take care of it or it could blister and prevent me from riding. I have been using more kinds of lotions and salves then you could ever imagine. I have even started to use Advil (but not on my butt!). It helps a bunch.

I can see that one of our biggest challenges will always be the heat. We usually leave by 7:00AM and the temperature at that time of day is wonderful. The air is so fresh and the sunlight highlights the beauty that is all around us. But by 1:00 PM, it begins to become more like survival of the fittest. One has to be very careful. You can be in trouble in a very short period of time.

We are staying in a wonderful place. The people are so nice. When we rode up three kids offered us iced bottled water. What a treat!

Well, I need to get to dinner and get some rest. We ride to Ontario tomorrow.

Click here to see more pictures from today!