Chilly night but way warmer than last 2.
Part way thru bfast i looked out the window and saw Scott’s camper at spot #1. Kept looking for van movement indicating he was up. About 9:00 he emerged.
We rode out of parking about 11:30 for a route around the basin we are in. Getting warmer. All snow from Monday is dried up. We rode up short section of Avery Creek & then picked up Buckhorn trail. Shorter way to buckhorn gap but some hike a bike & technical.
Fun riding. Did better. Trail is way more technical, most since I left here back in Jan.
Good exposure to pisgah:
At Gap front tire flatted. Appears tube seam split. Very warm, by now I doffed my booties, big gloves, & wool long underwear top. Snow in few isolated spots. Down to Club Gap, uphill & down hill to Bennett gap and climb out before final descent to Avery Creek where we are camped.
A stick jammed thru my rear spokes and broke a nipple right off rim. Scott zip tied it out of way. Rode a bit more cautiously. Some tread is in freeze thaw slippery mud. Going downhill the front wheel went a different line than rear. Just let front slide and crab w/ rear wheel to keep line straight. Scott saves his energy for the downhills which makes the uphills almost leisurely for me.
Parts of lower Bennett’s were still frozen because of shade & a creek bottom. Slippery mud then frozen then covered w/ leaves and maybe some roots and rocks thrown in made downhill exciting.
Back @ van i hustle into town to The Hub to repair the rear wheel. Arrive just b4 5 and Alex turns to. Wheel remained true making a simple fix.
Dinner @ Dolly’s. Saw noticeable number of rigs w/ bikes on. Forecast is for sunny 60’s temp.
Scott has a long ride planned for tomorrow his long ride day. Might entail riding thru closed area @ Pink Beds.
Heat was off all day. It’s 8:45PM and I am a bit cold but trying to delay turning on propane. I think I can make it to Monday but I would feel warmer if I finished the ride today in time to hit the fuel store.
Creeks are deicing.