OK this is how it goes for me. The hardest part of any ride is doing it! I can dream ‘em up. I can plan a route, figure the miles and time, etc. But sometimes it’s just HARD to get going. Other things will always come up, the weather might be iffy, appointments might not be confirmed. I know you know what I mean. Well this trip was no different. I wanted to go to Baker City for some Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally related stuff, but I couldn’t confirm with all the people I wanted to meet with. Also, the fourth weekend in October is PRIME deer season and I don’t want to be on the road other than maybe 10am to 4pm. All other times are too risky for deer strikes. And it’s COLD, but the high temp is supposed to be 60-65. Not Bad, but still ???.

Finally I decide it does not matter, I’m going anyway because this might be the last good weekend to hit Eastern Oregon until spring. The route is one I am considering for the ‘Official’ route to the Hells Canyon Rally for 2008. (click the yellow route sign above) It goes briefly like this: I-84 to The Dalles, south to Maupin, east to Shaniko, Antelope, Fossil, Spray, Kimberly, Monument, Long Creek, Mt Vernon, Prairie City, Austin Junction and finally Baker City. Just under 400 miles of fun. Now I know Baker City is only 305 miles on the freeway and there are probably 4 routes that are 360 miles and really good for bikers. But I really wanted to go a new way, something that almost no one has tried, so this was it! Of course I-84 to The Dalles is not exactly great motorcycling. However, it does get everyone out of town and their nerves settled before the arrival of the GOOD stuff. So, many times I will plan in a little freeway time just to calm everyone down. Now things start to get better as I head south on Hwy 197 to Maupin, as I pass Dufur, Mt Hood comes into view and WOW! I have to stop and get a picture. (you can see ‘em all on the slideshow below) More pics at Maupin. This little berg is best known for whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River. If you need a break, my favorite is the Oasis. Bakeoven Road is the way and it’s a direct shot to Shaniko. Now I go south to Antelope and the road doesn’t disappoint. Hundreds of curves and great views! Next I’m into the Fossil, Spray and Kimberly section. This is one of the most scenic in Oregon with the John Day Fossil Beds and all sorts of prehistoric rock formations. More photos. Finally I decide to just put the camera around my neck and shoot while I’m riding so I can get going. If I want to make Baker by 4pm, I need to pick up the pace.

Well the road to Monument and Long Creek is just the ticket (no pun intended) for making time, and I do. No traffic, no nothing but GOOD pavement! The view of the John Day River is fantastic and by now the afternoon air is warm. Man, it just doesn’t get any better than this… At Long Creek I hook up to 395 south and head to Mt Vernon. A little slower in here as the OSP have been know to surprise bikers in this area. Now I’m in the home stretch and the turnoff at Austin Junction to Hwy 7 is a welcome sight. Another road with great pavement, little traffic and long sweeping curves, nirvana. This IS what it’s all about. The Kawasaki Concours 1400 literally purrs beneath me, inspiring more confidence as I enter each corner and then power out! 51 miles to Baker and it is over too soon. I gas up at the Shell station on the outskirts of town and as I ride into ‘Mayberry’, I can smell the hot apple pie Aunt Bea has cooling on the window sill. Paradise found, once again. This is my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

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