Day 3 - June 30th - Vantage, WA to Odessa, WA
| Route Distance: | 81 | Average Speed: | 13.4 | |
| Total Distance: | 232 | Maximum Speed: | 31.0 | |
| Riding Distance: | 83.4 | Elevation Gain: | 2030' | |
| Riding Time: | 6:12 |
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Picture notes: OK, the wind wasn't blowing quite this strong, but it sure felt like it. Click here for more pictures from today |
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I
didn't sleep very well last night since the wind came up off the river and
blew quite strong all night. Woke up early and packed up, had a filling
breakfast of biscuits and gravy, then headed across the river and began the
climb out of the Columbia Gorge. I felt very strong starting out, and
the climb up to George went by quickly. Around this time it started to rain
lightly, but didn't last long. Even so, it was warm enough to forgo the rain
gear. We arrived in Ephrata (34 miles into the day) and stopped at Subway (again!) for lunch. After lunch we proceeded to the checkpoint at the edge of town, then headed out for the 40 mile ride to Odessa. No food or water available in this stretch except what the vehicles provided. There the headwinds and chipseal started and continued for at least 25 miles. We dodged rain and thunderstorms and were rained on a few times, but never got too wet or cold. Once the rain stopped the temperature climbed into the 90's again, but tolerable since we were almost done. We're camped on a field next to the Odessa High School, where we had a wonderful lasagna dinner. We also walked a few blocks to Odessa's only espresso stand for the first latté since leaving Seattle! It's been raining and we've had thunder and lightning off and on, but for now at 7:30 pm it's calm and sunny. I'm much more sore today, and Friday's day off in Spokane will be welcome. But all in all a good day, riding with wonderful people and experiencing the beauty of Eastern Washington. Late breaking news - found a wireless connection from our camping spot so can update this web site today rather than waiting for Spokane! |