Comfortable sleep night. Overcast early on. Today I will ride higher where I tried to ride yesterday.
Drove uphill to Skyliner parking lot. I was the only rig. I walked out on the trail checking on wetness. I could see the pollen high water line but the puddle was gone. I’m in. Geared up and pedaled out. I picked the climb on an overgrown logging road preceded by climbing switchbacks.
At the climb out spot i ran into Lev and Erika of Cog Wild pausing in their trail clearing activity:
Lev was the rider. He lead out down the trail w/ me following. I couldn’t keep up w/ him. I volunteered to help but he took Erika who is the most tenured of the Cog Wild guides.
Lev threw down the brake and stopped to clear trail side trees. I bid adieu and continued rolling thru the tight twisty trees. I have ridden this trail several times since switching to 26″ bars. Several spots I just barely cleared between 2 trees. Down lower the trees thinned out because of partial cuts. Short term goal is Skyliner trail junction. Somebody carved a bench seat w/ the back as a skinny. At first I was the only person there. Shortly other riders rode by some doing laps on the Whoops downhill. I tried to engage every one in a goof conversation. Few enjoiners. Soon other riders joined me on the bench. Lady sat beside me, she’s 67, her husband arrived last, he’s 74. Another couple are retirees from Boeing. Hung w/ the old people on the retiree bench. Then we all pedaled off.
I finished Skyliner back at my van. Today is a shower and maybe a visit to a farmers’ market in town. Kids were still getting wet @ the outdoor aquatics center.
Back into town to visit the farmers’ market happening. Fresh real strawberries, bought a $3.00 pint. Detoured to a grocery store for vanilla ice cream on the way out to camp spot.
Tomorrow is another Phils ride. Fri I drop off my bike for brakes bleed. Should do it at least once a year, last was Dahlonega, GA last spring. My habit is to drop a few $ in at least 1 bike shop in each town I visit. Bend is a brake job and 2 new tires. Kaching.
I called Scott, the Cream Puff director, to learn of when I may help. This Sat and Sun he is doing trail work. Monday is a shuttle ride to top of Alpine for trail work. I’m heading down maybe Fri eve to Oakridge. He has a spot in a trailer park for me.