June 18, 2025
Day 8: Happy Anniversary
Sisters to Ochoco Lake
When folks ask me how long we’ve been married, I want my answer to always be, “not long enough”.
Fourteen years ago today, I promised Rhonda “adventures far and near”. Although we’ve been 1/2 way around the world, I think this tour borders on “adventures far”. “Feels like far” as Jeremiah Johnson once said.
I cannot think of anyone else I’d rather share the road, the views, the challenges and rewards, the excitement, the fullness, the joy and the love. Today’s ride was exceptional. The sky was a perfect blue. The Sisters, Mt Jefferson and others in the Cascades remained our backdrop all morning.
I love Rhonda…..period.
The route primarily stayed on local county roads until the last 8 miles from Prineville to the county park on Ochoco Reservoir. Even then US 26 has a safe shoulder. Except for that piece of glass or wire that put a hole and small leak in my rear tire. I’m hoping Silca’s ultimate lives up to the hype. I lost a little air but it seams to be holding it now.
We stopped in Terrebonne for a snack and nature break at the market. Then we headed along the Crooked River valley all the way into Prineville where we enjoyed a long lunch at the Ranchero Family Mexican Restaurant. It was filling and tasty and frequented by the locals. A good sign according to Dayton Duncan in his book Out West. Accommodations will be slim tomorrow so we stopped at the local grocers and found some vittles for the spit later on tonight. A very romantic anniversary dinner.
Currently I am chasing the shade provided by the Juniper trees watching the neighbor boy chase some girl with a squirt gun. The lite breeze feels good after the shower.
55 miles 1450 feet
Today's ride: 55 miles (89 km)
Total: 380 miles (612 km)
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