Yesterday I studied the skies north of my sleep spot. I could make out the silhouette of the hill.
The quality of the view makes my ride decision. I decided to ride a short Phils loop to limit my respiratory intake of particulate matter. I planned on a dawdle pace. I vaped before pedaling away. I very rarely engage preride. SO I pedaled away. I climbed up Pinedrop completely not remembering the climbs. Next I realized I was at the Phils junction. I worked enjoying carving turns on the slight bermed corners and bends. My mind engaged for the downhill. I still walk that rock feature. Bend my elbows, keep my chin over the steer tube, weight the pedals ankling to keep pressure on the pins, and of course the seat slammed down. Brake bumps vary in size and quantity before a hard turn or tech feature and they are soft. I pick a less bumpy line dancing over the bike. Just so much fun. I am pretty comfortable on Phils. I really worked the berms and elevation changes. For a buzzed and to have been an easy ride I knocked 1 min off a previous hard effort. Parking lot is almost empty.
A short drive on Skyliner brought me to snap for a shower and balance ball abdominal exercises. I can not do a sit up with my knees bent. Two beers at packed 10 Barrel then over to the Lot for food truck dinner at a la carte, guy added extra to my order because he said I am one of his favorite customers. Socially sated I return to my favorite spot.
Smokey night. At wake up the hill gauge was occluded. Weather forecast didn’t hold improvement. Too smokey. I hung all day, I sat outside and read. What I really noticed today was hardly a vehicle or body passed by. Morning temps are rideable enjoyable if only the sky would clear.
I have been studying the forest fire web sites and weather forecasts for possible next stops. 1 is RD 44 trails east of MT Hood or Lookout Mtn east of Prineville. Both are more of this same. I looked for CO data: no fires or smoke. AM thinking of working my way there skipping WA and ID as the fires will only quit smoking after seasonal precip which is not in any forecast. Need to remain here till I learn the results and treatment if any from the CT scan.
Plug for sandals: Maker: Bedrock. Last year a person from the company emailed me after finding my web site and offered to put a pair of their new sandals on my feet. I finally got around to sending them my size info as I was never a sandal wearer. They sent to me my pair while I was at Bozeman. Hmmm… tried them on, at first the cord between my big toe and next in line bothered me but in a short while the bother went away. I have worn these things daily except for big cold or snow. There is no arch, just a protective sole. The foot works like it evolved to which is just like the Catalyst flat pedals. Design seems to prevent grit from getting between my foot and sandal. I hike in them. Pretty functional.
Tomorrow’s forecast is more of the same.