Today was a nice ride on smaller country roads without much traffic. I had some sections with a very gradual descent which made them easy. It got congested at the end but overall a nice ride.

I was on the road early. It was 43F starting out and warmed nicely. My route followed the Umatilla River down to Pendleton and then set off on back roads for thirty five miles.

Part of a travel corridor between the Blue Mountains and the Columbia River.

Pendleton had a convention area and large rodeo arena.

One climb for the day. About 400ft over two miles.

Up above was dry and open area.

About ten miles of winding and gradual descent.

Silos

Strawberries

Watermelon

Buffalo

My route turned to gravel so for a while I followed somewhat larger US 395. This then led me to turn onto a small road that also became unpaved. The last bit brought me to this overlook. In front of I-82 crossing the Columbia River.

Tomorrow brings a choice of whether to ride on the Washington side or the Oregon side. The Washington side follows a small road (WA 14) and doesn’t have much in the way of services. Internet comments suggest the park in Roosevelt might have water turned off and temporarily be closed for overnight camping. The Oregon side gets on to I-84, noisy but OK riding and has accomodations at Arlington. I’ve cycled both sides in the past and know roughly what to expect with the choice. It is nice to slowly get closer to Portland where I lived between 2009 and 2012 and where I am familiar with area cycling.