Day 11, Prineville to Mitchell, OR

Sisters to Prineville, OR Day 11, June 5

Miles – 46

Ave Riding Speed – 2-25 mph

Hours Start to Finish – 6

Weather – Sunny 66

Things were going pretty smooth this morning as we finished up our coffee and continental breakfast provided by the Country Inn & Suites.  Kim and I confirmed our route for the day and then reviewed potential places to stay tonight. Kim handed me her phone and said to call them. I said I didn’t have my wallet. I went to our room, grabbed my wallet and booked a room at The Oregon Hotel. The price was right for a hostel type setup and I announced that I had taken care of our accommodations for the evening and we got a room with two beds, shared bathroom and shower. Kim said I booked a room at the wrong place and things went a little south from there.

We exited our hotel at 8:45am and headed east on Hwy 26 with the goal of reaching Mitchell, OR for the night. But first we had to conquer Ochoco Pass at 4,722 feet. Compared to the McKenzie Pass the day before, we felt pretty good about our expectations for the days ride. About 5 miles out of town we pulled over so Kim could remove a layer of clothing and two young men were passing us on the road and we shared our destinations, Virginia. They immediately turned about and we chatted. David and Matt were recent college graduates from Pennsylvania and they are doing the TransAmerica Trail, just like us. They’re kicking it a little faster than us with the goal to get back before their jobs start. They said their goal for the trip is to meet people. What an awesome attitude and outlook. Since they’re recent graduates on a tight budget they’re also trying to do as much front yard camping they can. Pretty good way to meet people.

Once we got in our saddles we traveled the no-shoulder highway for 30 miles up to Ochoco Pass and had a peanut butter sandwich and chips at a roadside picnic area. From there we were on a quick downhill for about 10 miles and then another small climb for six miles into Mitchell. For 46 miles we did not pass by any villages, gas stations or scenery other than flowing rivers, dry grassland, majestic pine trees and beautiful mountain bluffs. The wind was generally at our back and we’re always thankful for that.

Upon turning right off the main highway into Mitchell, population 130, it reminded of the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes and its Whistle Stop Café.  We rolled past the outdoor seating restaurant and general store and up to The Oregon Hotel. It’s a quaint, rustic and homey place. John the manager checked us in. Once Kim saw our accommodations she settled in to the casual surroundings. It’s a fun change of pace that would have normally been out of our comfort zone. Ya gotta step out of the box to get in to the light!

We changed into something less smelly and walked over to the Tiger Town Brewing Company for something to eat. Upon sitting down at an outdoor high-top table next to the garage door, we noticed the couple next to us checking us out. They asked if we are the bikers they saw on the highway coming in. Come to find out we very briefly chatted with them as we were all waiting for the green light at the temporary bridge detour stoplight back about 5 miles. We chatted with Lori & Dave (hope I got that right) and shared our stories. They are avid bikers and have a trip planned after retiring in a few weeks and plan to cycle the Rhine River. Sounds pretty cool. Added dining bonus, the burgers were awesome. Now we are back in our “very” comfortable accommodations waiting for the clock to get closer to 7pm so we can go to bed.