It seemed I had just arrived for this week of cycling and all of a sudden the last night of the event had arrived. I had a great dinner with Gabriel and Jonathan last night and we shared many laughs as Gabriel missed his calling and should have been a comedian. He is as quick-witted as they come.

Last night luckily remained mostly overcast keeping the temperature from dropping too low. By this morning, the clouds were fading away along with the haze from the fires in Central Oregon and it was the most beautiful morning as of yet.

I had a couple more cups of coffee this morning and breakfast with Louise from Victoria, British Columbia. I met her while riding the first morning and I have followed her tracks on most of the gravel sections. She is a very kind lady and offered my friend currently bikepacking on Vancouver Island a place to stay if he comes down by her way.

It was now time to begin the last day’s ride. I headed out under beautiful conditions and immediately found the last gravel section of the event. It was the perfect way to start the day as it was very peaceful and quiet. It was a great time to reflect on the entire week as a whole.

The entire gravel section was sublime. I was able to add many drops into the gratitude bucket as I thought about all the people in my life I am thankful for and how lucky I am to be able to be outside and enjoying all the beauty surrounding me.

As I came to the end of the gravel section, I got a little emotional as I usually do on days like today. Many cyclists seem to want to ride fast and are either chasing another cyclist down or trying to keep others behind. I am not a part of this group. I am simply riding to get away from myself. I am riding to get to a better me. Cycling truly makes me a better human being and I am fortunate enough to be given these amazing opportunities.

Once back onto pavement, the route would be the same as Day 2, just in the opposite direction. This meant we would go through Lostine and Wallowa before a nice five mile climb followed by a nine mile descent back into Elgin.

I felt great on the climb. After talking with a buddy I met this week that served many years in the Ranger Battalion at the last snack stop prior to the climb, I even sang some Army cadences while climbing for some extra motivation.

I then cruised on down the hill into Elgin and before I knew it I was at the finish line. It was a quick and easy day with perfect conditions. The cycling gods truly blessed me today.

The best part of the day was definitely stopping by for what turned into a happy hour with my favorite in-laws while driving home. How lucky am I?

Until next time my friends!