Day 10: Boise to Mountain Home, ID

Today went well and, with a strong tailwind, we covered the 54 miles in three and a half hours. There was a lot of sky and distant horizons as we crossed an arid plain. We had a bicycle clinic on changing tires, and a huge - all you can eat - dinner buffet (everyone's favorite).

Day 9: Boise, ID...rest day

A day to rest tired thigh muscles. I stuffed a load of laundry in the washer and dryer, and folded and ironed it all (one of my wierder habits). Walked around downtown Boise, as it's bad to be a couch potato on your day off. Two members of the group went home today, leaving 52 cyclists and 6 crew. Good day for family phone calls and e-mails. My view of the ride so far.....unbelievable!

Day 8: Ontario, OR to Boise, ID

Finally, we crossed a state line. It was a shorter ride today, a mere 65 miles, slightly uphill. We had to contend with more heat and drier air. No matter the distance, the last ten miles are always the most mentally challenging when your thoughts go to soft bed and hot shower. I am wearing two pairs of bike shorts to ease my sit-bones, and the butt butter is performing well, and my thighs are tired, naturally. Tomorrow is a rest day in Boise, the state capital.

Day 7: Baker City to Ontario, OR

Some firsts today: We have bike 500 miles since the start, we biked on the freeway...this is permitted out west when there is no alternative road...but it's not much fun. We passed the Mountain Time Zone and put our watches forward one hour, and two freight trains passed on the nearby grade. Yes, we rode 84 miles, but there were no major summits, and the terrain was divided between arid mountains and flat, irrigated, agricultural land. In the photo, my principle riding companions..Sandy, Leo, Todd, Rod and the Brit. We have ridden 7 consecutive days and we're still in Oregon.