Monday, July 19, Day 74
Dayville to Ochoco Divide

Today we did two mountain passes, Keyes Creek, 4,350 feet and Ochoco Pass, 4,700 feet. We started from Dayville and passed through “Picture Gorge,’ and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This is an area of many fossil finds and is quite beautiful. We traveled through a canyon along the John Day River for about three miles. Then a long climb of about 20 miles to Keyes Creek Pass. Then up and over for a 7-mile downhill trek to the town of Mitchell, population 171 with two cafes and many boarded up buildings. We had a quick lunch then began the next climb, a mere 16-mile uphill trek to Ochoco Pass. This ride was a little on the rough side. When we hit the summit, we found the Forest Service Campsite and tented for the night. A very tired two bikers said good night at 8pm. Bike Ted