OTT Take 2: Day 9: Tule Camp to Breitenbush Hot Springs

We had planned to get an early start since this day was going to be a big one. We made our breakfast and packed up as quickly as possible, rolling just a bit after 8, which is early for this group. We started out with a gravel climb for about 1500 ft before we had a fast and glorious descent on a gravel road all the way down to the small town of Idanha. There was a small market there where we were able to get coffee and late morning snacks and sign the OTT book! It was a great way to have a nice break. While we were taking this break, we started talking about the plan for the rest of the day. The original OTT route was supposed to take us up and over a huge climb before descending down to Breitenbush. An alternative was to take the highway for three miles to Detroit and ride the road 10 miles to Breitenbush, saving us hours of riding and many feet of climbing. With heavy rain in the forecast, we decided to take the detour. I was very relieved and anxious to get to our destination.

There are specific towns where you can sign the OTT log book! Make sure to check those out!

We started motoring down the road toward Breitenbush and when the false flat/climb started, I was left in the dust. Which disappointed me, because everyone else was motoring and they just left me like I was standing still. Finally, they had pulled off to the side and I just kept riding so I didn’t have to stop. Eventually they caught up to me and we rode as a group together, which was much more enjoyable. I think all of us were ready for a break and starting to feel the miles and long days and all the togetherness time up to this point.

We arrived at the turn off to Breitenbush right as it started to rain. We were splitting up at this point with Aliza and I heading to Brietenbush, and the rest of the crew pushing on the next day where we would meet in a couple days. They found a rad campsite, we got a resupply from Aliza’s dad (as well as hot hamburgers that we brought us from town). Aliza and I headed on up to the hot springs to begin our much deserved and much needed rest day. The rest of the crew went and scouted out the unofficial hot springs and took a dip with some locals. We all had a great night of sleeping and a break from a few super long days in a row.