Great Stay in Mitchell
The ride Monday from Prineville to Mitchell was only 48 miles. After rather level riding for the first ten miles or so, the climb began up to Ochoco Pass. This was nothing like McKenzie Pass from the other day, as the elevation change was only around 1700 feet. It was not as steep of a grade and had many areas of flat riding.
With the exception of the first morning of the trip, this was the first day where there were any clouds to speak of and they began to build as I got further into the ride. It was good having the shaded conditions to ride in and within four hours of leaving Prineville I arrived at the top of the pass. Then it was seven miles of incredible downhill followed by another seven into the town of Mitchell. I was lucky as just as I pulled up to the hostel a few raindrops started falling.
When I say the “town” of Mitchell, it has a population of 120. A Dutch cycling couple I had met the other day suggested staying at a place called Spoke’n Hostel and gave it rave reviews. So I got their number and called yesterday morning to see if they had room. A guy named Patrick answered the phone and said they did. He gave me the details and said if he wasn’t there when I arrived to go ahead and wheel my bike inside, park it next to a bunk and make myself at home. The hostel was made to cater to cyclists and motorcyclists.
Patrick wasn’t there when I arrived, so I did as he mentioned and parked my bike next to a bunk (which had a name card with my name on it). I took a self-led tour of the place. The basement had a kitchen and a dining room table. It felt very much like a home.
A few minutes later, Patrick arrived along with his amazingly calm dog, Lizzie, by his side. Patrick, a very easygoing, social person, went into detail about the hostel that they had just opened in June. He said that cycling tourism is absolutely huge in Oregon. The town of Mitchell lies between two mountain passes and cyclists normally wouldn’t want to do both in one day (as I didn’t). He and his wife didn’t live in Mitchell, but knew that the church in town was losing its pastor. Patrick is a pastor himself and he and his wife Jalet had the idea to turn the top floor of what was the church into a place for cyclists to stay and use the basement area for Sunday services. They run the place off of donations as there are no fixed rates for staying there.
I talked with Patrick about my teaching overseas. He was fascinated with stories about Myanmar as he has some Myanmar acquaintances. After sharing some stories, he told me of a restaurant in town. I walked up the main road and up a side road to a rustic diner.
Over the course of dinner, I talked with Deline, the woman who owns the place. She spoke of how she moved away from Mitchell at one time but missed it and returned and then got the backing to open her restaurant. I also spoke with Jason, a local ranch manager who came in with his son. He asked Deline if she was going to the fair and talked about how he was transporting a steer and a pig there for his son to enter in the contest. Jason asked if I was cycling through and about my trip and we had a great conversation.
When I got back to the hostel a few other cyclists had arrived. Robert, a funny, talkative guy from Kentucky; a young couple, Erica from Ohio who was biking with Adriel from St. Louis; and Tim, who rode in on his motorcycle for a meeting this morning with Patrick and a few other pastors.
Patrick’s and Jalet’s hospitality is unmatched. Patrick drove us out to an area called the Painted Hills, which offers stunning views (an understatement) as the sun goes down. He said this particular trip out there was the second best he’s ever seen. We were all very fortunate that he took the time to take us there. After getting back, Jalet had ice cream for us and we all sat at the table and listened to each other’s stories before calling it a night. Fantastic day along with the best night’s sleep of the trip. I wish Patrick and Jalet much success in their business. It’s already much talked about from cyclists on the road.
Chuck D says
That is a great picture with the ominous cloud looming overhead.
Looks like a great time out there.
dm4212@gmail.com says
Thanks. I’ll send you a few more. You would love that area.
Patrick and Jalet - Spoke'n Hostel says
Thank you for staying with us, Dan. Your intelect and easygoing spirit made for a wonderful evening of conversation and fellowship. We wish you wide shoulders and tailwinds as you travel. Safe journey.
dm4212@gmail.com says
Thank you Patrick and Jalet. I really enjoyed the stay and meeting both of you. –I somehow missed Linda’s place here in Mount Vernon, but found another nice bike hostel in town.
Tim Woods says
I enjoyed meeting you at the Spoke’n Hostel and hearing about your trip. I’ll be following along with you. Godspeed. Tim
dm4212@gmail.com says
Thank you Tim. Great to meet you. Enjoy the fishing!
Gary McKechnie says
Dan, days like this are why you explore. It’s wonderful when you meet locals who make you feel like you’re old friends. This is inspiring.