2020 OBDR
We left on Tuesday right after Labor Day this year, hoping to enjoy the last of the summer weather. Turned out to be a good decision as we didn’t need any cold weather clothing like we did last year. The XR650L, 501 FE and CRF450L were all shod with new tires and a larger 4 gallon tank for Keith's XR and a 3 gallon tank for Randy's 501. This allowed us to ride without taking any extra fuel.
This is Keith trying to relax as Randy drives his motorhome. Randy did a great job, but Keith was a wreck and had to resume his driving duties.
First stop would be the Seneca Timbers Inn in Seneca Oregon. Seneca is the intersection for OBDR routes 4, 5-2 and 5-3. This metropolis is 4 streets wide and 4 streets long. We found one general store with gas available. The campground had full hookups for the motorhome.
These are the trips we took out of Seneca. Day 1 = green @ 71 miles, Day 2 = red @ 55 miles, and Day 3 is blue @ 74 miles.
Day one found us trying to get our bearings and we found a fire tower about the same time we needed a rest. I climbed the tower, but the views were partially blocked by smoke from fires in Washington.
Day 2 was a little more interesting as we headed south and then to the east. We started in a sage prairie and worked our way along a creek and up to view points.
Break time.
Keith cooling off.
Down in the valley below is Silvies Valley Ranch retreat, golf and spa.
Randy and I enjoying our "Clint Eastwood" cigars and a cold one. Each night featured movies and popcorn.
Day 3 took us further south where we found a water crossing.
Day 4 we moved north to Unity Lake State Campground. Electric and water for the motorhome, but no sewer. Old disabled vets like me get to stay for free which was a nice amenity. Along the way we found some treasures including an old water pump for me and a genuine Indian gun for Keith.
Every evening we'd get about a thousand geese flying over until the sun set.
Being up in mining country made for more interesting rides. Day 5 = purple @ 53 miles, Day 6 = orange @82 miles, Day 7 = yellow @ 157 miles, Day 8 = blue @ 124 miles and Day 9 = green @ 49 miles. I cut my ride short on Day 9 after I lost Randy....or he ditched me.
This is scruffy bird. He was in pretty rough shape and his rear was devoid of feather and those he did have were pretty beat up. He hung around our campsite each night for handouts.
Day 5 took us through Sumpter Oregon for one of many times during our rides. We located this water diversion.
This massive gold dredge once worked the Powder river south of Sumpter Oregon.
One of the few times we stopped for lunch was at the Elkhorn Saloon in Sumpter. They were out of hamburgers and fries which dominated the menu.
Sign at the Sumpter gas station.
Day 6 took us up to Table Rock Lookout in the Malheur National Forest. Even with the smoke, the views were pretty spectacular.
Somewhere along the way we ran into the Oregon State Police. Really nice guy showed us some places we should visit while we're in the area.
Stopped at this little fixer upper. There was a whole farm full of these old homes. The sign says "Friends and Invited Guests Only".
Day 7 found us an old mining shack complete with some old rail from the ore cars.
We also found our way up to to Grande Ronde and Anthony Lakes up in Whitman National Forest.
Going for a run down the slope.....not!
On the way back we stopped at the Bank of Sumpter...or what's left of it.
Day 8 we went over Marble Pass to Baker City. The trail was so rocky we decided to take the blacktop home. Lunch was good at the Main Event Sports Bar Eatery
We enjoyed eastern Oregon, and although the signs were up, masks were not required and people were not paranoid about COVID.
Day 9 we intended to go up to Black Butte lookout and out to Olive lake but...
Randy waiting and looking for my on Hwy 7.
...Randy had a great ride and took these pictures out near Greenhorn Oregon.
You never know what you'll find in these hills...including aliens!
Powerhouse
Olive Lake
Another great trip with two of the best guys I know. We saw abundant wild life including badger, deer, bear (crossed right in front of Randy), fox, quail, coyotes (almost hit one when if jumped out in front of me), elk and antelope.
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