DuPont Grinder

High winds forecasted didn’t blow in creek bottom, did get to 32 degs. Turned on heater in AM & crawled back under the covers. have a moldy smell coming from somewhere that is irritable. Think it might be from my h2o tank fittings that allow overflow h2o to run onto subflooring. Going to disassemble some fixtures & duct tape the fittings.

Visited Fred @ Visitor center. Called Bruce ride for today off but Heaterbreaker Super d race is Sat that I will go up for. Pisgah Works is even a sponsor for this free race. Post race party @ Pisgah Brewery, the dog pub.

Drove back to Dupont where I was yesterday but today the skies were clear, lower 50s, 7 breezy. Trails had some ride damage from last weekend freeze thaw mud. Crossed the river wearing wool socks, rode loop on far side & returned to change into cold wet socks to cross river again. Mid shin deep, well below my knee warmers. Soft trails just sap the energy out of forward motion. Enjoyed ride, rode steadily hard. Near end of ride 2 riders blew by me and scared me as they were so silent. They said they were behind me for minutes and asumed that I knew they were there. I was lost in my own ride and missed their silent sounds.

19.07 miles 2 hr 35 min, 3032′ vert.

River crossing:

Little River xing
Little River xing

Back into Brevard for shower @ laundromat & dinner @ Dollys and the internet work. No DVD for entertainment tonight.

Asheville tomorrow, urban camping for the night, & then over to start of race which is a social ride up to top of downhill start. Social. Bruce is a hoot.