We walked downtown and had breakfast at The Galley, a very rustic eating establishment that was full of patrons. Had a terrific breakfast of eggs and a pancake, with bacon.
When I got back to the Sisters Motor Lodge parking lot, a man with a loaded touring bike was checking out. I stopped to chat with him, and learned that his name was Joram (?), and that he was from Israel. A very cheerful and friendly sort, Joram was riding the transam bike route I rode 4 years ago. He plans to complete the ride in 70 days. He had had almost the identical experience on Friday when he rode over the Mackenzie Pass to Sisters. Cold, rainy long day of incline to the top of the pass where it was hail and a little snow surrounded by lava fields. Froze coming down the other side into Sisters where he was drenched and cold on arrival. Checked into the Sisters Motor Lodge and took an hour long shower to thaw and re-group. Made me smile to remember. Joram has also biked a lot in Europe, notably from England through France and Spain on the Camino. I told him that my sister and I had just hiked the Camino last summer, and we had fun comparing some notes. We wished each other safe travels and parted ways.
As Randy and I headed out, it was quite cool and cloudy, but at least not raining. We had only gone about 2 miles, when Randy realized he had a flat. Stopped and Randy expertly changed his tire. Never did find the source of the flat.
The ride to Bend was easy compared to the previous 3 days. Mostly flat and with a bit of a tailwind. Some nice views of the snow-capped Three Sisters in the distance. There was a bit of sustained gradual climb the last couple of miles into Bend, but all in all a pleasant ride. The weather started clearing up, although it was still quite cool - around 60 degrees.
I had called ahead and made a reservation at the Rainbow Motel - which turned out to be a real gem. Very basic, but clean, spacious and quiet. And located conveniently to stores, restaurants and downtown Bend. The fact that I got a room there at all was fortuitous. Something must have been going on in Bend this weekend as all basic motels were fully booked and I had quite a time finding the Rainbow Motel. Plus, the prices were exorbitant for the most basic of motels. For some reason, the lady at the Rainbow Motel seemed to take a liking to me and gave me a really good rate. I know this because as I checked in I heard her quote rates much higher to people coming in looking for a room. I counted myself blessed, and settled in for an afternoon of rest and quiet. The motel had terrific wi-fi which was a real plus. Heard from Randy, who bemoaned that once again the Google lady had led him astray, resulting in an additional 90 minutes to his ride to Sunriver.
Got a call from my friends Suzanne and John, with whom we are planning to stay in Ashland later in the week. My sister Donna and I met them last summer while hiking the Camino in Spain, and they immediately became part of our Camino family. I told them how much I had enjoyed biking in Oregon previously, and they invited me to visit next time I was in Oregon. So, I am taking them up on that invitation! It was so good to actually hear Suzanne's voice, and I look forward to catching up.
Tomorrow is going to be a real rest day. Plan to meet Randy and Bill at REI in Bend, then return with them to Sunriver to watch the NBA finals. The plan for Monday is to bike to Chemult, then on to Crater Lake on Tuesday.
