My last look up into the night sky on Sunday night was star filled. Forecast was calling for snow starting around 5. I crawled into bed just about 11. Winds blasted broadside rocking me like a cradle in a tree. Rocking blasting. Maybe the weatherman was on to actual. About 5 I woke up listening to the sounds of snowflakes hitting sheetmetal. Flakes fell to cover the entire windshield. Snow continued to fall during breakfast. Snug under layer of snow.
A rest day enhanced by snow on the ground. I visited Dave inside his house. I slipped going down bare steps landing on my right arm etc. I made range of motions to learn if I damaged it, Shoulder movement was acceptable. Solar panel was covered by snow till afternoon. I drove out for coffee beans, propane refill, and groceries. Local coffee roaster. Drove onto grocery store parking lot choosing a drive thru spot beside a car that was slightly skewed in the lane. Driving away I did not account again for the turning radius for length of van as I turned right into her front end. I was stuck to her car. I wrote the license plate down and walked into the store to customer service. PA announcement produced a woman who said that might be her. I told her what I did and asked her to come outside. Yes it was her car. Driver door would not open. She crawled in from the passenger side. I turned her steering wheel as she backed up to free herself from my unwanted contact. Bigger crease on the left side with the slider door dented, it still opens which is what is needed. Another insurance claim.
I bought a new belt to fit my smaller waist as the 30 inch belt won’t keep my britches up.
Spent night on the road side in front of Dave and Mekelle’s house. Dave and I made a plan to drive down to Canon City to ride Oil Well Flats trails as it will prolly be snow free as it is further east and at 6,000’ 2,000’ below BV. Plan changed as Paul called to say he will go down and spend the night. Mekelle was off today allowing her to come.
Paul and I drove down Arkansas River to Canon City where Paul has trail familiarity. He changed our plan from riding Oil Well 2X to ride the South Canon(trails?) that were prison theme named as we rode Hard Times and Great Escape among others. A large prison is in the town hence the easy name selections. Purpose built chunky trails.
We shared the trail with 8 legs making good tracks.
14 miles climbing 1584’. Beautiful day. Put this trail system on your radar. Paul set a brisk pace faster than I could match. Mostly pedaling little gawking.
We finished our day out at Oil Well Flats camp spot. Dave and Mekelle arrived later.
Today we luxuriated in the warming sun. Forecast was for 70 under sunny skies. Fall chill in the air. What a ride here albeit less technical. These trails really work me. Oil Well Flat trails. Still a hump. 13.2 miles climbing1398′
We encountered a man and woman riding towards us. She was riding a new full suspension bike making a good go of a rocky descent. She stopped right beside me. I noticed that she was using 2 fingers on her brake levers and the levers were not adjusted for efficiency. I tipped her on how to use her brakes using just 1 finger. Later we caught up with her. This time I offered to adjust her levers and she permitted. She is on the city council. I talked with her later in the parking lot as I was interested in community support for these great trails as she was wearing a Tshirt logoed for these trails. She said that tourism is the second biggest economic engine and the city is paying a trail crew. How great. 13.2 miles climbing 1398’. Add Canon City to your bucket list.
We hung in the parking lot enjoying the sun. They left back to home and I stayed in the parking lot. My lack of planning needed attention requiring focus.