August 8, 2001 - Mike and Marilyn's 2001 TranAmerican Bike Tour

 

Prineville to Cold Springs Campground (west of Sisters), Oregon. (46 mi.) Mile 4080

A peak at what's ahead

Another good ride today with all the right stuff: sunshine, ice cream, and a view of the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range getting closer and closer. Tomorrow we cross this range at McKenzie Pass and drop down the Pacific side.

Back on June 15 we shared camp space at Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, with an eastbound TransAm couple, John and Karen from Salem, OR. They finished their trip over a month ago. Recently they emailed us inviting us to join them at a campground when we came through Oregon. They offered to pamper us and bring cold beverages, so we said YES! We'll meet them tomorrow.

The Three Sisters, volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range.

The top of volcanic 10,495 ft. Mt. Jefferson rises above central Oregon's landscape.

Sisters is a touristy town crowded with gift shops and galleries. We had plenty of time to explore Sisters, eat a good meal, pick up some groceries, and hit the road for the peace and quiet of this Forest Service campground.

Looking back on our trip so far, we recall making these observations in each state

Virginia
Number of red, brick Baptist churches seen - at least 100

Kentucky
Number of consecutive mailboxes with the same last name - 24

Illinois
Highest density of bike shops - 3 within half a block of each other (Carbondale)

Missouri
Number of restaurants offering an "All You Can Eat, Catfish Night" - 30+

Kansas
Number of times someone stopped to ask if we needed assistance or directions - 12

Colorado
Most expensive breakfast - $9.00/each (Guffey)

Wyoming
Number of days with a headwind - 9
Number of days in Wyoming - 9
Number of times we crossed the Continental Divide in Wyoming - 6

Montana
Most number of places or business names that reference Lewis and Clark

Idaho
Highest percentage of road miles under repair or needing it
Highest percentage of road miles following a scenic river

Oregon
Highest density of ice cream parlors per capita - in Sisters, 6 for a population 900