Day 59 - Tuesday, August 6, 2002

Mitchell to Redmond, OR (Village Squire Motel)

Ride length: 70.0 miles (112.7 km)
Total to date: 3897.69 miles (6272.7 km)
Moving time: 6 hr 7 min.
Average Speed: 11.4 mph (18.3 km/hr)
Total ascent: 2700 ft. (823.0 m)
Minimum elevation: 2337 ft. (712.3 m)
Maximum elevation: 4739
ft. (1444.4 m)
Ending elevation: 2992 ft. (912.0 m)
Wind: Calm for first fifteen miles. East winds (tailwind) at 10 mph for next 40 miles; 10 mph crosswind for last 15 miles.
Weather: 50°F (10°C) in the morning; got up to 65°F (18°C) by end of ride at 4:00pm. Overcast morning; partly to mostly cloudy afternoon.

I tackled the second to last major climb of the trip over Ochoco Pass today. It was then a downhill ride to Prineville and Redmond. My last mail drop for the trip was picked up in Prineville today.

I didn't take very many pictures today since it was overcast and there weren't too many outstanding sites to see. Here are two pictures that I did take along the Crooked River between Prineville and Redmond.

I got my first glimpse of the Cascade Range today as I rode into Redmond. They certainly rise very high into the air and many are snow capped.

Today I found out that Vanguard Airlines, the airline that I bought a ticket to fly home on, is grounded. They ran out of money, dismissed nearly all employees, and have filed for bankruptcy. Just when I thought everything was arranged for my return this happens. Their web site provided information about flying with other airlines. I called USAir, my usual carrier, to see what they could do. The reservationist I spoke with was extremely helpful and booked a seat for me on a nonstop flight from Seattle to Pittsburgh the same day that I was supposed to fly. All I have to do is show my eticket from Vanguard when I check in and they'll take care of billing Vanguard or whatever.

The benefit to this is that the flight is nonstop rather than a layover in Kansas City with Vanguard. The downside is that USAir charges $80 to bring a bike on board as compared to $25 with Vanguard.

Food: Banana nut muffin, 1 L Gatorade, package Skittles, 12" Subway ham hoagie, Baked Lays chips (140 Cal.), Kettle Corn (520 Cal.), Harry & David snack (300 Cal.), Dairy Queen fried chicken sandwich, 20 oz. 7-Up, fries, large Skittles Blizzard, Granny Smith apple

Motel: $20.00