Yesterday was a to do it day. I now have a cleaned Pisgah jersey and 30 days of Coumadin, a new Maxxis Ardent 2.4 ghetto tubeless mounted on my front wheel, a new sweat cap replacing a 5 year veteran, full jug of huckleberry flavor Hammergel, and a shirt on sale @ REI. Visited w/ Melanie and Lev @ Cog Wild tours. Checked out several other bike shops tire shopping. Weather changing for rain later in the PM. Heat and humidity. Only used a sheet for cover. Lightening flashed and thunder clapped for a good show, unfortunately just a dribble fell down here.
This AM my plan was to drive up Skyliner for a higher elevation ride. Sprinkles fell w/ increasing frequency as I drove higher till the road was completely wet. At the TH the rain no longer fell yet the sky threatened more. I geared up and headed out. Right off the bat I encountered puddles, trail kept the rain that was heavier here. Turned around and rode back to van. I deemed it too wet to ride here.
Drove back down to Phils. Plan now is to ride up Phils to helispot then a return trail back. I rode out savoring the new front tire that really carved turns. My mileage log revealed I had 1089 miles on it, it really was worn out. Hardly a drop of rain wetted the dusty trails. I was pushing a wonderful spin uphill and missed an intersection choice. I made an unintended loop. Stopped to talk to 3 riders who recalled me from mag article. We were conversing when 2 guys show up and 1 of them says I read about you. I reaffirm their dream. I ride of now on the correct trail. I catch up to a rider ahead of me. He is riding my previous ride backwards which will mean a longer than intended ride. I ride down Storm King happier going down than up. I was way ahead of the other rider. I stopped @ a trail intersection for a food break. He arrived then told me about his ride. Cool. Even more miles but on trails I haven’t ridden. Finished all of Storm King then picked up Deschutes River trail heading downstream right above snow melt swollen white water. Commercial rafters run it. Nick dropped me off @ a motel for his ride home and my different way. I should have studied my map to plot my course over new for me trails. I chose the opposite direction once I got on Marvins. I stopped @ a numbered intersection that corresponds to a location on the map to navigate. A local rider rides in and says he is going back to Phils and will lead me. He reversed my direction causing my compass direction made more sense. Ride ended up being 32.68 miles in 3 hrs 50 mins, and climbed 3097′ Way longer than the short ride plan.
Drove into Safeway for groceries and h2o. As I was pouring h2o into my tank I spied a VW Westy entering the parking lot driven by a woman. She circled and parked w/ an empty spot between us. I commented on her van. She said she lived in hers for 2 years. 60 years old long gray white hair.
Back out to camp spot but somebody else has it. Reversed course and drove out further to another spot that was empty.
I have commented on the generous size of mens size small shirts. Mens clothing is baggy yet women have size choices to dress from baggy to clinging.
Comfortable evening. Tomorrow is another ride.
I need a new rear tire.