Rain fell off & on @ Hood River. Trails in temperate forest would take several days to dry out. Decision was to point south for Bend environs. Drove over shoulder of MT Hood, thru the deep wet forests. So much lichen streaming from the trees. I had forgotten what the wet Cascades are like. I spent 10 years wandering around the Cascades & Olympics when I lived in Gig Harbor. Today it was from inside an environmentally sealed vessel propelled by diesel up the mountain sides.
The rain ceased as I went further south and a bit east. This part of Oregon is like a huge volcanic plateau punctured by the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and the smaller vent volcanoes scattered about. Woods soil is hardly any duff onto of volcanic dirt. Any rain here will sucked up.
Years b4 I rode up above Sisters. I remember reading something about another trail system closer into town. I drove towards Sisters stopping for a shower @ a KOA along the way. $6.50 for a shower. I found the small bike shop, Eurosports, in town. Years ago when I visited I remarked how the for sale bikes on the front porch were not locked, with the shop being just a block of the main drag. Today they were locked. I asked the owner about the lock and he said that years earlier someone stole 2 bikes. They lost their trust as a result. They did get the bikes back after they had been chop shopped. I asked about local riding and he emphasized the Peterson ridge trail system, the one I previously read about.
I drove south out of town into Ponderosa pine desert and no cell phone coverage. I drove out along a wide right of way for an underground h2o canal. Picked a flat spot and settled in. As the sun moved deep into the west the temp dropped. Too cold to stay outside or leave side door open. Inside. I started the heater b4 the sky darkened. temp dropped to 22 degrees the next morning.
Monday I eased out from under the double down blanket testing the cold. i turned the heater to full, turned on Bob Edwards, and crawled back under the covers. Today I will be riding directly from camp spot so I can take my time getting out of bed.
The temp rode as the sun warmed the ground. Still it was 50 degrees when i pedaled off wearing knee warmers, light weight wool long underwear top, and figured gloves. Thawed frost wetted the manzanita leaves close to the trail. I rode the western leg going up. The trail appeared to have been laid out by a stumbling drunk as wiggly as it was. After awhile the continuous turning got old. The trail climbed to a high spot out in an old clear cut view. Volcanic land. I turned downhill as much as it was. the trail would ride well in each direction. Downhill the twisting was not as bothersome. The trail system is for hillers & bikers only. A separate horse trail exists that works its way most directly.
The trail is essentially 2 paralell legs w/ many connectors linking the legs.
Made it back to van in the heat of the day. I decided to stay here again for the night. I performed maintenance on my bike. The DW pivots suck up the grease. I set up my chair in the sunshine and read more of The Big Burn. Again, the sun lost its warmth before it went behind the trees. Heater on again early. The temp read 22 degrees again in the AM.
Today I drive into Bend. I stop @ Tumalo SP 6 miles out of town to check on showers. $2.00 and available to non campers. Warm.
Made Bend. Plan is for short loop out @ Phil’s TH. Lower section is not very technical climbing up thru very old cuts. I remembered the tech spots, I rode more this time helped by better bike and time in Larry’s box. Made the helispot where the trail dropped. Played on the Whoops on the way down. This trail section has man made table tops & berms. I kept my speed under control and wheels on the ground. Big chain ring descent carving off the raised edge of the trail angulating from the hips. Smooth tread but sandy. My handlebar is 26″ wide, the trail threaded between trees just a bit wider. So much fun.
Back @ TH life was pleasant w/ blue skies and 60 degrees. I had tasks in Bend to attend to. I found the county parks fitness center for a $5.50 shower. Then on to Whole Foods for their prepared food for dinner. Then to filling station for diesel: $72.22 for 21.5 gallons for 525 miles; 24.4 mpg. Both thirsts have been slaked I drove out to camp spot near Phil’s TH. Clear skies and forecast cold temps again
Forecast for this weekend is for clear skies, highs in low 60s. Ride time might find freezing temp. Wear warm clothes then take them off and pack them for rest of ride. perhaps they will be needed b4 finishing the 70 miles.
My right SI joint is barking @ me again in spite of chiro treatment. It will be a factor on Sat’s 70 mile ride.