At a lower temp setting the heater errors out. The heat is nice,61 degrees seems warm all over where as w/ other heater it was a cold 61 degrees. W/ the former I always knew I was going to sleep cold whereas w/ the Propex I sleep too warm. My down blanket is too much insulation. The interior warms quickly before crawling out of the covers. The temp setting control is right above the outside edge of my bed: I am able to make adjustments while still snuggled or too hot. Propane burn seems acceptable, battery has lasted the night, perhaps an issue will be lack of solar power to recharge the batteries for the next night.
Today was my last to do ride. I started @ 10:00 today allowing some sun warmth. I parked @ Phils TH and rode up one way Bens missing the junction to cross the road for the climb up to Mrazk ridge trail. I found an exit onto Skyliner road and coasted to the road to take me up to Mrazk. Great all season road crossed Tumalo creek then the road climb to the trail intersection w/ Mrazk. Almost constant climb till junction w/ Farewell. A tree barked my right hand that I didn’t give respect to the spacing. There are several bars stoppers trees showing their bark removed. Several riders passed me going down. # single women. Everybody was cordial and exchanged greetings and trail respect. Overlook:
The topography is volcanic w/ the 3 Sisters a bit to my right. Lots of cinder cones. Big grunt. I walked in places as i was so beat. Just b4 Farewell junction I encountered a big group. I was told that I rode w/ several of them on O’Leary w/ Cog Wild. Again, I am always way last I never learn anything about them as they are so far ahead. Melanie from Cog Wild was in the group w/ her husband. We had a pleasant conversation. She said they bought a Sportsmobile Conversion Sprinter and are just digging it. she gave me credit for their purchase.
I fianlly arrived @ Farewell intersection which meant mostly downhill to Tumalo Creek.
Last weekend I helped cut brush back on the trail. We hiked 2 miles uphill and worked down. Trail broke out in the open
All good downhills cease. My route was back down Tumalo Creek trail from yesterday to Skyliner. I climbed up Skyliner mostly pedal struggle but walked as was beaten. I was getting thrashed. Today I soaked up the lower Whoops w/ its tabletops and berms. Getting more comfortable w/ piles of dirt. The trail dumped out onto a road to pedal up to pick up Phils for the finish. Ride took 4 hrs 11 mins of pedaling climbing 3397′ in 32.72 miles. Biggest ride this year.
Forecast is calling for rain, low probability. I checked Oakridge’s forecast which calls for rain. I decided to wait out the rain here in Bend prolly till end of week. Might get some hero dirt.
So, on the 3 way back rides every rider was friendly. This changed as the trail got closer to Phils TH. Riders were almost rude, certainly not cordial. Another rider caught my wheel in silence. Riders are certainly more friendly on outback rides. Maybe lower Phils appeals to racers who ride fast.
Hey, good ride report and you did some miles! I wanted to report that here in Flagstaff I’ve been having fun discovering a network of trails. Most are legal although are bike friendly when its hero dirt.
Same as everywhere Craig. As crowds increase people become more isolated and less friendly. So many people at Phils now they had to make the trails directional! Flagline down to Bend is one of my favorites. Haven’t had a chance to ride Mrazek or Tumalo yet. Oakridge was great at MBO this year.