Day 2: Baker Bay CG-Scaredman Campground

Start: Baker Bay CG

Finish: Scaredman BLM CG

Miles: 41.2

Elevation: 2889', average incline 7%, max 13%

Avg Speed: 8.5

Ride Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes

Calories Burned: 2200

Weather: mid 80's, sunny, neglible wind

Route: Today our route was 80% off the highway and in the mountains on BLM roads.  Route finding was challenging because we did not have a map with sufficient detail (see Lessons Learned).   Google maps has it's limitations when off highways.  I think the local BLM and other road names don't match up so well with Google.  In any event the riding was spectacular, very steep and challenging.  The average grade for the day was 7% and there were stretches of 13%.  The major climb was up USFS road 23 or Clark

Creek Road to a 3889' ridge.  The crux section was about 6 miles with sustained 9-10% grades.  We huffed and puffed and cursed and walked and cranked a bunch.  The roads were in great shape with just a few cars and absolutely no logging trucks.  Often we rode beside a beautiful mountain stream and were able to refill our water bottles.  The chlorine dioxide water treatment system seems to work well.  Won't know for sure  for 7-10 days (Giardia's incubation period).   We chatted with a BLM fire supression guy and told us there was going to be a road race over the same route in a few weeks.

Cool Stuff: Lots of good stuff today

1. Started the day with a homemade biscuit, egg, bacon, and cheese breakfast sandwich served up at the beachside café and general store.
2. An older gentleman on a Harley (yes even older than us) came back after passing us to give us route finding assistance.  Very nice and much appreciated.
3. Blooming rhodies on the ridge summit.
4. A BLM worker with a map and local knowledge.
5. An icy bath in a great swimming hole.
6. Greasy salty potato chips and a bottle of bugjuice at the end of the day.
7. David's company

Lesson’s Learned:

1. If you buy a map, don't lose it.
2. If you pack a map, remember that you have it.
3. Google sucks off the main roads.
4. Weight is still the enemy.
5. BLM maps are the best.

Palaver:  If yesterday was a warm up; then today was the real deal.  Tomorrow will be even more challenging.  It feels great to work hard, eat lots of food, drink our fill of water, and enjoy the fine countryside.  Tomorrow if we are lucky, we will encounter Paula and the kids and be able to off load a little weight for the final push to Diamond Lake.  Bet I sleep well tonight. See you'all down the road.