Day One: Baker City to Granite to McCully Forks Campground
A slow gradual climb
May 20, 2024 55km
"It's gonna be like Barb's spin class...uphill all the way, no downhills" Patrick says. "Let's go" Rachel replies with Barb's signature cheer. Then Wenda adds, "Barb will be proud". Wenda is in the same spin class and is interested in learning more about cycle touring. She has done organized rides before but wants to do solo cycling, so is joining us on the ride.
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We set out on Rt 7 after first stopping for a big breakfast at the Oregon Trail Cafe. We are on a long straight road past farms, cows and after about 5 miles the road starts winding through a gorge-like rocks but still gradually climbing.
Just before Sumpter there is more of an incline, Rachel says "I need a great great granny gear". We pass Philips lake and a marshy area following the North Powder River upstream.
As we reach the junction to turn on 410 into Sumpter, we have a headwind and 3 miles to go. We are getting tired. We stop at the General Store for coke, beer, potato chips for camp. We ride out on Granite Hill Road and reach McCulty Forks Campground. Mc Cully Forks Campground, Wallowa Whitman, OR: (hipcamp.com)
Part of the campground is closed due to the bridge with a big hole, but with bikes that's no problem, we find a nice spot next to a creek. Dinner is spaghetti with a red meat sauce Rachel fixed at home and froze now thawed. We pull our chairs out and enjoy a warm campfire.
The weather is chilly.
Addendum: We had considered going onto Granite, but stopped after Sumpter at the McCulty Forks Campground.
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