June 19, 2025
Day 9. The Spoke’n Hostel
Ochoco Lake to Mitchell (the one in Oregon)
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Sleep evaded me last night. Quiet hours are just a suggestion and they really can’t be applied to the highway 100 yards away. A rule we discovered on previous tours states you shall not pick a camp site next to the bathroom/shower house….of course when it’s the last available……
There must have been two conventions in the area; owners of German Shepherds (most were very well behaved) and the group who had to prove whose truck muffler was loudest. Garmin told me what I already knew; you may not feel rested today.
Regardless we had it to do. It was supposed to be an easier day of only 40 miles. And it was a gorgeous morning. We gradually climbed up the Ochoco River valley. Lush and green. Low vehicle traffic and high songbird traffic. The redwings serenaded us most of the morning. After three harder pitches and 20ish miles we made it to the summit at 4720’. On the east side of the pass the scenery changed from lush green to dry brown. Still beautiful. We were nearing Painted Hills.
By noon we were in Mitchell. Too early to check into the Hostel so we found the Bridge Creek cafe and ordered deli sandwiches. Two couples on vacation struck up an all too familiar conversation: “where y’all going? Where y’all start? Y’all are crazy, we couldn’t do that.” Of course I noticed by the way they talk that they were not from around here. So I asked my own question, “where y’all from?” North Carolina! We mentioned we road bikes across their state a couple falls ago. Then the questions turned to from where to where? They threw out some towns ending in ‘boro, ‘ville. Finally I had to go out to the bike and find my Cycle North Carolina t-shirt. It had a map with all the town stops we made. Apparently we road only 20-30 minutes from their house (those were car minutes and not bike minutes). Cam seemed the most interested. I think we had many things in common….according to our wives. He does enjoy bluegrass so he sits right by me. After our sandwiches it was time for them to continue on to the coast. We gave them some helpful suggestions.
The Spoke’n Hostel
By chance Jolét was in Mitchell on an errand for her husband in 2016. While there a vision developed. She thought this town of 130 could use a hostel, providing hospitality to adventurous travelers. Sharing her vision with her husband they started looking for property. No deals could be struck. On one of her visits she attended church in town. Not long after, her local pastor called and asked what she’s doing in Mitchell. How’d he know? Apparently he was headed up that way the very next day to close down and board up the church building. The Mitchell pastor was taking a new congregation elsewhere and there was no support for a new pastor. Jolét’s vision was shared and grew. The church offers cyclists and adventurers a place to rest. Beds, showers, hospitality, and kitchen use are all provided. You’re encouraged to make a donation. Nothing else is required…not even the donation. Travelers are encouraged to support the local cafe, grocer, or pub for food. Donations are thriving and community business is up. And the congregation of 20-30 are still gathering for worship on Sunday mornings in the basement. A miracle occurred. The congregation needed a place to fellowship but couldn’t support it. Jolét’s hostel needed a facility but one could not be found. The two were brought together fulfilling the others need.
Today's ride: 40 miles (64 km)
Total: 420 miles (676 km)
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1 week ago