IMBC 2012 - Part 4 - Trip Meter: 1,307km

Unfortunately Baker City downtown was off limits due to a local event, and we couldn't reach Zephir, the bakery we had planned on meeting for breakfast. So we regrouped at Sumpter Junction (I get the Cowboy breakfast sans bacon, eggs and toast... hash browns only please) before heading out to chase the devil's tail.

We were going to hell... as to be expected it was HOT.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a treat for those who like the twisties. The road was easy going at first through open valleys.

Alas, there was about forty miles of road construction ongoing. Careful in the beginning we regained our confidence quickly and rode speed limit.

We split up in different groups to enable everybody to ride within their comfort zone but would gather regularly to make sure that everybody made it through. There were no casualties to report. Here's our Oregon couple of the year: Brad & Brandy.

Bob soliciting a drink from Richard?

Erik observing.

Karen checking on her gear.

Entering Idaho... now Whitey and Rover touched ground in three states: Washington, Oregon and now Idaho. Not bad for a little mule like the 400cc Burgman.

Would Roland come to like the challenging road ahead of us or would he throw in the towel and return to 'base camp' at Scotty's gas station?

No! There he goes. No sign of turning around.

We made it to the dam.

And below (with Karen in the background).

Brilliant vistas into the gorge.

After a well deserved rest and fuel stop at Scotty's we made a beeline towards Enterprise. The path was leading up a mountain and back down into the meadows. We certainly welcomed the shadowy forests although the ever changing light conditions made it difficult to read the surface. There were huge potholes who could swallow little bikes like ours, and there were a handful of last second maneuvers necessary to avoid those.

A welcome break for the thirsty crew.

Meanwhile the scenery had changed completely offering mountain views and green valleys.

Brandy worrying, will there be something left for me?

Richard once again fidgeting around with gadgets, while Erik does what he does: observing.

Bob explaining 'pasture land' to Karen, where the roads are straight and the turns wide.

From left to right: Richard, Brad, Erik, Brandy, Bob and Karen

Finally, after a long day's ride on fantastic roads we reached the Best Western and got a room with a view...

... and a designated bike parking spot.

 

Bob had recommended El Bajio, a Mexican restaurant in Enterprise for dinner, and it turned out to be excellent. 

A vegan burrito for me.

And a crazy pollo for Roland.

After dinner everybody was about ready to hit the sack. The scenery, the workout on the bike, the heat, and the food had taken their toll. It was time to say our goodbyes as we planned on heading for home on Sunday morning. We had a fantastic time, and enjoyed the company, the friendship and the rides. Thank you all for being there, and special kudos to the long distance riders Karen, Richard and Erik.