#pureracing

Cartography.

Awesome rock formations and abandoned factories. 

The Snake River winding out of Hells Canyon.

Fine motel art (possibly the Blues Mts or more Hells Canyon).

  Fulfilling all your Baker City needs.

Old Spearmint Gum add from 1894.

Day one of the BCCC trip was just the  drive to Baker city Oregon and a little spin to shake out the legs after the drive. I actually drove to Sparks Nevada the night before and  picked up my friend Dave Christenson who was joining me on this maiden voyage to eastern Oregon. The drive actually went by pretty fast while the wide open expansive landscape was calming and inspiring. As we got closer to Baker City the mountains began to take shape as we worked our way along the Snake River. This area of Oregon has always been a wonder to me and I was happy to finally make it out to the high desert space. Our motel is a funky old establishment right on the south end of town and centrally located for all the stages. After a spin of the TT course and registration pick up we walked around the older part of town before dinner. As we walked through some old back alley ways we were confronted by a local older gentlemen in his later 60's, Vietnam Vet, over 20 drops (parachuting) with 9 of them into battle, born and raised in Baker City, and currently a few sheets to the wind. He took it upon himself to give us a tour of the older historical facts about the city. After a few more alley ways, a few old turn of the century signs, and a few old buildings that "used to be the best brothel in town", we parted ways. He was planning to watch the race and was going to look out for us. Afterwards we had some good trout and headed back to the motel. Tomorrow is stage 1 and I am excited. I'm not sure what to expect, but I just need remember: don't overestimate anyone, don't underestimate anyone, and don't underestimate myself. Simply seek pure racing.