Today’s ride consisted of three notable hills. I’d seen them on the maps, and knew they’d be pretty painful. But, thanks to an early start and incredible road conditions, it was actually enjoyable. The roads today were among the best, if not THE best, I’ve encountered on the TransAm. There was very little traffic, and the shoulder was uniformly wide and clear of debris. There were lots of logging trucks later in the morning, and they don’t move over, but I had plenty of room. The turbulence they cause could be scary, but I am used to it after 4,600 miles!
I stopped for breakfast in Prairie City. All the other customers were aging or aged locals. They were talking loudly enough that I couldn’t help eavesdropping. Their entire conversation was about how environmentalists and universities have ruined Oregon. A man said colleges were destroying his town (presumably Prairie City) because kids didn’t want to come back after they went to college. Someone else traced their downfall to spotted owls. They were very frustrated and angry. I just sat at the bar and ate my pancakes. I think I saw the young server roll her eyes and sigh once or twice. I imagine she’s heard it all before.
When I got to John Day, I stopped at the grocery store. The cashier asked me if I wanted paper or plastic, and I said neither, because I would stuff my things in my panniers. She started complaining because the state of Oregon is outlawing plastic bags and plastic straws, and she told me a gruesome tale about a woman who died after she impaled herself on a reusable metal straw. I just grunted noncommittallly, which seemed to be good enough for her.
I love hearing what people think, but I don’t discuss political or religious issues with anyone I don’t know on this journey. This has served me really well!
I made a short video of myself climbing the last hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlJPuL3LkCQ
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