We left Brad, Phil and Charlie at Austin Junction and proceeded deep into the Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest. Three big climbs and a long drop brought us into Baker City, the "capital" of northeastern OR. Next morning got a late jump and got a few things at a local bike shop, including a new saddle to see if I could find a solution to my ass fatigue. Phil coined the term "between ass and Zen" to describe the relief one feels when one dismounts after a lengthy time on the saddle' an apt term that I continue to use. About noon we headed east to a high pass where the road crosses original tracks of the Oregon Trail, ca. 1862 or thereabouts. We then began a long descent into Hells Canyon, pulling into Halfway OR just before dusk.
Early rise the next morning took us on a long downhill canyon ride in beautiful morning sunshine and cool temps before we hit the bottom of Hells Canyon and the Snake River. By 2 PM it was 100 degrees F and we commenced a long ride up and out of the canyon with a driving headwind. Closest we came to "total despair" so far on the trip. We were both glad to hit the summit and cooler temps, and finish the day's ride into Council ID.
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