Cycle Oregon bicyclists check in at the John Day Fossil Beds. The Eagle/LARRY MCGRAW

I was asked by Ruthie Moore, Dayville city recorder, to act as a roving ambassador at the Cant Ranch bikers’ lunch during the Cycle Oregon tour last month.

As a representative of the Dayville American Legion Post 115, I agreed. This was a special treat for the bikers to see the natural desert beauty of our county. Numerous riders voiced their appreciation. We Dayvillites served these friendly, courteous bikers. They were an admirable group. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument welcomed the bicyclists. Superintendent Jim Hammett said, “This is the most people to attend our monument in one day.”

There were bikes spread along Highway 19 for hundreds of yards in the barrow pits. They picnicked on the grass, in the parking lot and along Highway 19.

Bikers split from the national monument to travel Highway 26 to Mitchell, others to travel north on Highway 19 to Service Creek where they turned toward Mitchell to gather at that town for the night.

I visited with the numerous bikers, some coming from out of state. They admired Butler Basin and the monument. Their organization was admirable. There were about 20 Dayvillites who volunteered to serve lunch.

Two thousand people are a lot of people, and I enjoyed moving among them, taking many photos. There was plenty of food to eat and lots to drink, including chicken, veggies, numerous types of chips, grapes, apples and cookies. It was amazing that the next day at the park, one would never know this event had taken place. We should welcome Cycle Oregon to visit us again next year.

Larry McGraw is a horticulturist and photographer who owns Sheep Rock Nursery in Kimberly.