2 days of real riding

Cold nights & frigid mornings last 2 days. Was 16 degrees @ 7:30 this AM. Heater keeping things comfortable. Water vapor freezes on inside of windshield. Amount of ice build up gives an idea as to how cold it has been.

Sat. I drove from here down to conventional starting point for the Hurricane Rim trail which is on a bluff overlooking the town. Starts out 2 track up steep gravel road before dropping off onto Goulds rim and real single track. I recognized the spots where I might fall, and i walked those 4 places. I rode well with a touch of not right on. Worked it pretty good w/ a high heart rate, got to be caused by lack of riding. Nice clear chilly day. It was 35 when I finished the 20.87 mile, 2 hour 42 min ride climbing 2130′ feet. Sweet trail system, joy to ride.

Drove into town for 3:00 Zag game. Checked out local sports bar for ESPN2 reception. She said yes and I plopped myself close to the big screen TV several feet over my head. Have to buy food. Ate French fries w/ a wrap sandwich and 2 beers, 1 per half. Zags lost.

Spent night back @ Jem TH.

This Am i felt my pulse which i suspected might be high because of riding past 3 days. Counting was difficult because of low BP. My plan became an easy day. Forecast is for snow next several days making today the last god day for awhile.  I rode the Jem down, 7 miles of great trail. This trail was selected as 1 of the best 33 trails in NA by BikeMag as a tight & twisty, right up there w/ Deadman’s Gulch @ Crested Butte. I jumped on Shep Bridge road for the ride back up planning on taking the spur road that would bring me back to desert road to van. I missed the turnoff and ended up riding Sheep Bridge almost to the highway and then finished it off w/ part of the JEM backwards. Beautiful day. I enjoy this kind of desert.

Clouds moved in from NW onto mtns to the West. Looked like snow. Peaks thwarted snow advance into valley.

Forecast calls for snow during the week. I will stay here until a snow free window opens. Mon & Mon night are calling for 5 to 9″ of snow here. I am on a quasi improved dirt road about 300 yards off highway. I will learn what this road will be like if it snows. I have food, h2o, & propane to last for several days.

Rib pain is all but gone. Not peeing blood which is good.

Buds back @ Spokane have been enjoying early skiing @ 49. Frequently a story will spring from one of the Lopper’s computers. Tell pretty good tales. I am still holding for chilly dry skies & bike riding to cold, snow skiing. This for another year.