Slept late. Today I was going to rest, do laundry, and other chores.
I stopped at the Visitor center to visit w/ Fred. As i left the bldg I spied a rig w/ 2 bikes on it and the riders looked to be about my age. So, I ask what they are going to ride and got a good feeling. What happened to rest? They had a big route planned but it had to be truncated because of land closure by USFS to protect public from a possible booby trapped campsite. The ride we did was a good enough 1.
The riders: Steve, a little fly weight of 100lbs, and Kenny more my size. All of us in our 50s. Steve hardly compresses his bike’s suspension but he can climb beyond description. He would challenge Kellie. They are from Asheville. Their bikes looked like they just left show room but they rode way beyond a credibility issue. We enjoyed our company.
We parked at the horse stable up past where I have been camping. Rode back down road to Bennett Gap trail and rode it up, intersected gravel rd, continued to Club Gap, and joined Black Mtn trail end to end. Software crunches different data; I picked the data point I have been using: 15.92 miles, 3393′ climb, 3 hrs ride time, total time 5 1/2 hours total. Calorie burn: 2607. Black Mtn end to end. Finished @ 5:00. Big day. Trail in places muddy & slippery. Wet roots. Heads up riding. I cut a right switchback too close and spilled, slow roller fall. Wore shorts w/ knee warmers just in case but short sleeve jersey & gloves.
Vista:
What was somewhat rideable:
Short beer end ride conversation and I dashed into laundromat for shower & laundry. Didn’t eat “dinner” until 8:00 hanging @ Dollies’ gravel parking lot like usual.
Have PT appointment tomorrow @ 9:00. priority is left knee. I know nothing about this PT, she was on insurance list. I called and she returned my call.
Spokane received 20″ snow in record time.
Received an invite to ride next week from the MTBR.com forum. The ride idea is about as demanding as what we did today plus extra.
I will stay down here till maybe Christmas before moving on. I have not planned where. Lesser from Big mag emailed me a bushel of ride ideas & contacts to follow up on.