Our day began with an assault on the free continental breakfast provided by our motel. In California, big breakfasts were avoided as they generally slow us down a bit. Due to the extended distances between our Oregon destinations, and the relatively scare convenience stores and delis, this breakfast was very welcome. After eating our share and stuffing some fruit in my jersey we headed off towards Emigrant Lake.
After we passed its shores we were presented with a 5 mile climb that snaked around many mountain sides as we ascended from 2000 to 4500+ feet.
During our slow ascent we were passed by a bike group as they pedaled by on their lightweight bicycles. Meeting them at the summit, they were interested to hear about our trip and curious to see what gear we had packed away for our 4000 journey. The fastest of their 4 riders had previously ridden the 130 miles across the Oregon desert from Burns to Lakeview, a ride that we plan to tackle on July 2. This served as encouragement that we had planned a survivable desert excursion.
During our slow ascent we were passed by a bike group as they pedaled by on their lightweight bicycles. Meeting them at the summit, they were interested to hear about our trip and curious to see what gear we had packed away for our 4000 journey. The fastest of their 4 riders had previously ridden the 130 miles across the Oregon desert from Burns to Lakeview, a ride that we plan to tackle on July 2. This served as encouragement that we had planned a survivable desert excursion.
The landscape became drier and we consumed more water than any other day (it was about 85 degrees and 16% humidity). Since the beginning of our ride there were signs warning of open range livestock, and finally I met a herd of 20 cows looking to cross Route 66 as I pedaled slowly up one of its hot hills. Pausing to take a picture, I realized I had stopped between a mother and her calf and decided I should move to a safer, although less photogenic spot to document this cattle migration.
After several hours we emerged from the forested mountains and crossed the Klamath River. An historical marker commemorated an original river crossing of the Oregon Trail that was a half mile from the modern bridge. Leading a wagon train through this terrain is inconceivable considering the difficulty we had with only 75 pounds of bike and gear.
Cruising the last 10 "flat" miles brought us through farmland and into downtown Klamath Falls. As we walked to lunch/dinner after well-deserved showers we found ourselves in a classic car rally known as the Kruise of Klamath.
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