Day 8, yes day 8.  I left Astoria last Sunday.  It is hard to imagine.  The day started off with a nice surprise.  The four of us camped at Bates State Park, just outside of Austin Junction, OR last night.  We were told it was the newest park in the State.  You can sell it how ever you want Oregon, I just would have called it something else other than Bates.  For once I am glad it did not have showers!  We were just about to leave when the park attendant showed up on site and asked if we paid last night.  We all had, so no worries.  He told us Saturday night was free for some kind of State Park fishery thing. We each got our 5 bucks back. Score! Thanks Oregon, you’re the best!

Today was set for climbing the remaining two passes, Tipton and Sumpter Pass.  I wanted to get more mileage today, because of the short day yesterday, but wasn’t sure how the passes would go. We were a little skeptical, well at least Genevieve and I, that we were going suffer yet again.  Jamie was like, no problem guys.  True, it was morning and significantly cooler then the afternoon.  We did Tipton Pass with no issue.  After Tipton I began to have visions of more miles dancing in my head.  I told Jamie and Genevieve that I was going ahead and be leaving them for the day.  Their intention and mine originally was to do the two passes and stay in Baker City.  That would have only made for a 52 mile day.  I was looking at Richland, another 41.5 miles.  So we said our goodbyes.  I am really happy to have met Jamie and Genevieve, it was so great riding with them and seeing Oregon by bicycle.  Thanks guys for letting me ride along.

I was feeling good from my short day and decided to hit it hard.  I took off and did Sumpter Pass and cruised into Baker City.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Baker City is the end of map set 2!  10 more to go!  I stopped for lunch and supplies in Baker City.  Jamie and Genevieve had caught up.  We talked about both pass decents.  About how great they were, fast, lots of curves and little to no cars so you could use the whole lane.  As Jamie and Genevieve were having their ice cream we again said goodbye.

I started off for Richland where I planned to stay for the night.  It was already early afternoon and from experience not the best time to try another 40 miles.  Adventure!  Pushing the limits.  I was soooo lucky.  The Sun stayed behind some clouds for 35 miles of the ride.  It was mostly downhill.  And any bikers dream, tailwind!  That blessed boost of speed when all you ever feel like your getting is crosswind and headwind.  I rolled into Richland, OR for the night.  Tomorrow Idaho!

Day 8 – 92.9 (A new record!)
Total 618.5

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