Yesterday I drove way back up into the Pisgah for today’s ride. Back w/ no cell phone coverage. Out on road 1206. Walked up a trail checking out rain damage and trail conditions. Seems like the rain mashed out the oak leaves to like wet toilet paper. Soil is mostly mineral so tread exhibited little damage and should ride ok.
At the road a long haired guy was standing there with a big Ford truck w/ state license plate. Shit, a long haired state official going to bust my chops for what? He is a juvie corrections officer and was looking for his lost group of Hoods in the Woods kids. Actually they were with the officers somewhere else. The plan was for the group to hike up Bradley Creek trail with its 11 creek crossings. With the heavy rain that fell crossing the creek would have been a great feat, especially in the almost dark. He had no truck with me. He gave me info should the group show up and then drove back up the road to a high point for cell coveage. He returned later to tell me that he contacted the group and they hunkered down elsewhere avoiding the creek. I camped at an approved campsite right on the side of the road. I only heard 1 rig go by. This weekend is the last of rifle deer season and I expected more gunners to be out.
Met Scott at the appointed time of 10:00 at the agreed upon spot. He is commuting from Asheville and the Xmas Jam concerts, late nights and hard rides during the day. Zysk: Government Mule concerts.
See Ride Data page for idea of massive ride. Pisgah is rugged. 15 miles, 3365′ in 5 hours. OK we stopped once for a break. Riding thru Rhody thickets and over rocks. I enjoyed Scott’s company and ride knowledge. Hurking ride. Nice day. Didn’t encounter anybody until we passed the Hoods in the Woods kids setting up camp.
Scott headed back to Asheville for day 2 of his concerts after a shower at Davidson River XG. He was leaving as I pulled in. We are meeting same place and time tomorrow for another ride.
I wrapped an ice gel bag around my foot to soothe the discomfort. OK, pain, but I am denying it. The pain involves the whole foot now. 4 more days of mass vitamin I.
I took a shower at the XG also and was busted by the man for a $5.00 fee. Tomorrow it is back to the laundromat for $3.00.
Sitting here in a parking lot just outside of town for internet work. Getting colder, below freezing. Beautiful day today: blue sky, bare trees.
Scott has met other riders from way away from Indi that get together with him at Pisgah. Paul from Canada is coming down next weekend to ride w/ Scott. I will probably hang also.
Next week I will go North to ride Tsali Trails, another IMBA epic. And maybe figure out Dupont.
Good hard riding here.
Another vista shot:
A smoother trail section w/ rhody thicket:
Second shot of Moonshine. Long hair is falling out.
Oh, Mono, Springsteen is playing at Superbowl Halftime. I will find a TV for that.