Slept @ paid XG. Checked web forecast which called for 70% heavy rains after 1:00 which is also the XG checkout time.
Got underway just b4 9:00 pedaling up Spring creek on logging road and traveled by receraters that don’t understand their rigs kick up dust that I breathe. Missed sketchy turn off road to cross creek and road another 2.5 miles to a road intersection that still had signs. Got out the map to learn where I was. Shit! another blunder. Consoling factor was it was gradual downhill to creek crossing. As I arrived a group of 4 riders where heading up from their shuttle rig. Joined them for the slog up to drop in on Doctor’s Park ST which ends right back @ XG. Dirt bike damage. Upper part was tough w/ loose rock, dropped into the middle section that was less steep and just flowed like a dirt bike trail. Zoom Zoom. All good things end at the steep nasty drop back to XG. I walked a bit of it last night to know what to expect: paver concrete blocks rebarred into the ground on the switchbacks. Pavers can be slippery even when dry w/ sand sized particles sliding over them. Made it down including the 1 wheel sucker.
Drove back up Spring creek and parked @ a wide spot and walked to stream for spit bath.
Headed into Gunnison for groceries, diesel, beer, & ride info on Canyon trail this side of Monarch. At City Market grocery store the skies opened w/o a whimper and dumped. quit for short while, then dump again finally steady light rain. Found street parking right on Main. Walked across street to Tomichi Cycles to hang out waiting out rain and to learn about ride.
Guy started talking about the ride. I said something about driving around the country riding and he said we met on a ride @ Sedona last Jan. he remembered me and ensuing conversations. I had the deer in the headlights look. His name is Bill and his wife’s name is Susan who went to scholl in Harrisonburg, VA that knows Tim & Thomas from SBC. And my afternoon was spent visiting till my throat gave out and time moved on
I learned that Hell’s Angels are having their yearly conflab here outside Gunnison. Me on my pedal bike. Town shuts down.
Have ride invite for Sun on ride I plan tomorrow if I don’t do it. Got to start early to get off 12,000′ exposude b4 summer lightning hits. Bill invited me for a tour of Hartman Rocks on Monday that will be hard to pass up.
Need to leave town for dinner & sleep spot this side of Monarch Pass.
acid reflux appears to have returned after spicy Philipino meal. On calcium carbonate.
No edit, just a splash and dash to no internet coverage.