Biggs Junction to Umatilla
86.4 Miles / 2,340 Ft climb
An early(ish) start on a blazing hot day. On the road by 7.30am for a very ambitious 90 miles. This was not by choice but because we could not find any accommodation to break the long distances.
Dave, a very experienced cyclist and now officially a superhero, messaged early this morning. He had woken at 2am, concerned for us, knowing the challenges we were facing and decided there and then to load up the car and prepare for his five hour journey from Seattle from Liam, his dog. With a boot loaded with iced drinks (it was 34 degrees by now), energy bars, fresh fruit, (which has been hard to come by) water and a bike rack, completely anticipating our needs. We hope we gave him the superhero welcome he deserved and that he felt the depth of our gratitude.
Rested, fed and as ready as we would ever be, we set off in the heat to tackle the remaining 50 miles, having left all our panniers with Dave, making our load considerably lighter and easier. Slower in the heat, the miles crept past with a lethargy that hadn’t existed in the morning. By the time we met Dave for the second time, nearly 20 miles away, I knew I didn’t have it in me to compete another 30 miles today so I welcomed a lift home, an early shower and a well earned rest.
The others are more stoic than I am and plough on relentlessly to complete their 90 miles for the day. They had been on the road for 12.5 hours but their efforts secured them a full rest day the following day as we are not due into Walla Walla until the following day.
Day 10
By midday, I had completed 31miles, consumed a hearty breakfast, said goodbye to Dave and Liam and was ready to enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Dave had kindly agreed to take me back to the spot he picked me up from, so that I could complete the miles I had yet to do. John, who had already completed the mileage came with me for support and completed them all over again. Another heroic gesture.
The 31 miles that only yesterday evening had felt unachievable, this morning, flew past. My cycling was strong, I felt rested, refreshed and supported and I enjoyed every mile. There is some learning in here somewhere.
Challenging Times 
Well done Alison xxxx
You are my hero Alison! You actually made a Dundee lass well up reading this, so blimmin proud oh yi!! 💪🏻💪🏻♥️♥️
Was great to meet you too. Thanks for all the help with planning our rest day with a wine tour.
How apropo to get to meet 3 of you at the Visitors’ kiosk in Walla Walla! Welcome to you all (I didn’t get to meet you, Allison, I’m sorry). You certainly more than deserve a day of easy biking and wine while you enjoy our pretty perfect weather. I was happy that my sister, a diehard bike rider from Santa Cruz (the one who’s about to do the Death Ride), mapped out some of her daily rides when visiting, so I had an idea of what to suggest up Mill Creek. I think you’ll enjoy the Southside area the most. I’ve also shared this with my brother, who has Parkinson’s. He used to wind and kite sail for years, coming up from San Francisco to sail in the Columbia Gorge near Hood River, until an accident prevented continuing. It was really neat to watch your trail with the videos you made! I’ll keep watching, for sure. ~susan janelle
I am so moved reading this! You are amazing as are Dave and John!! Lots of love to you all xx
What wonderful friends and support you have You all are inspiring . I’m absolutely loving following your trip and approach to the challenges along the way 😍 amazing xx
How fantastic to have Dave do that… You must have been blown away.. Superb
What a day! Such heat, such distance, and such determination. My imagination is running wild about how the 🦸♂️superhero’s super senses just knew, whether he wore a cape, and if we will read about him again in later chapters landing wherever and whenever you need him …… because he knows! 🤔
Wow. Wow. Wow! Great work, Dave, John and most especially, you! 👊👏
Not to forget Caroline and Paul, of course.
Awesome effort, Alison and John. You listened to your body and went with it. So pleased you had support John for a tough day. Xxx
Nothing but sheer determination! So inspiring, Alison. Well done John, too – going the extra (31) mile(s)! 👋👋👋
Thanks Jannette. Was no hardship for me, she is a legend and obviously insisted in doing all the miles.