Juliette and I made it into Sisters, OR yesterday, which put our first major mountain range, the Cascades, behind us. So far it's been slow and steady as we ease into our long days on the bike.
Day 1, Eugene to Florence, was rather ambitious. It was 80+ miles and took nearly 7 hours. We planned to follow it with a rest day, but decided to head back instead. It took us two days to get back to Eugene, which proved to be helpful in figuring out our gear. Day 2 was about 50 miles to Triangle Lake, followed by 40 miles (errands included) on Day 3 to Eugene.
When we got to Eugene on Day 3 we switched up some gear and were met with incredible hospitality from Kellen. He put us up for the night, made us breakfast in the morning, and sent us off with two days worth of snacks. It was a good way to leave Eugene. Thank you very much, Kellen.
Leaving Eugene and heading east on Day 4 was wonderful, it felt like the trip was actually starting. We made it 63 miles to the Delta Campground near McKenzie Bridge, OR off highway 126. Day 5 was another 60+ miles over Santiam Pass and into Sisters. Climbing my 80+ pound loaded bike over the pass wasn't as bad as I expected. Climbing isn't fast, but ground gets covered. The difference between the east and west Cascades is drastic. It's so much dryer here and feels much more like home.
Overall we spent 120 miles on 126 in two days. The traffic was heavy, but not terrible. We had hoped to clear the Cascades on historic 242 from McKenzie Bridge to Sisters, but the road is still closed for construction.
So far some of the highlights have been the picnic lunch stops and camping. On highway 126 near Vida we ate lunch in a hazelnut orchard and saw a fox run through. Yesterday we soaked a bit in the Deer Creek hot springs as we ate, which were more warm than hot, but still felt wonderful.
That leaves us on Day 6 here in Sisters taking a much needed rest day. I got a new seat in Eugene and the break in period was a little uncomfortable, but is done. Juliette got a little pain above her heel after the first day, but after a little icing, taping, and some fit adjustments, everything seems fine. Spirits, appetite, and general hygiene are still high.
Tomorrow is Day 7 and we hope to go about 80 miles to Mitchell, OR. The days will be warmer and we'll really have to watch for sunburns (my ears and neck already got it) and water. I've never been through eastern Oregon, so I'm pretty excited.
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