During the night a new thigh muscle cramped. I managed to slide out of bed massaging it out. recently I read that release is to be had by squeezing the belly of the muscle. I did that while shooting a squirt of horseradish mustard. Randy told me mustard relieves cramps, over time I have validated the therapy. Took 2 hammerlytes. Yesterday’s ride was harder on my body than I believed.
Today a short commute from JEM TH @ 4310′ down to Hurricane @ 3200′ to OTE for shared rdie back up mesa to Gooseberry that is almost above where I camp. Quentin, Tae, Jason, touron Jim (my age), and a woman, oh, and me. Road into Gooseberry was just hacked from vehicles driving it in the wet. No way would I have driven in. Quentin & the woman drove small SUV types and Jason drove a full on Ford 250 step up bars diesel 4X4 w/ 2 mtn bikes lashed in the box.
Gooseberry is all about tech moves & lines on white sandstone. Surfaces are radiused from erosion. Excellent traction for going up and falling on. I am a conservative rider not willing to risk much so I fail to attempt a move and walk it. I am better than I rdie.
Tae rode above the trail on slickrock and stuffed his front wheel and launched into a small prickly pear cactus. One glove needs to be replaced because it was filled w/ spines. he pulled his jersey off and pulled more spines. He abandoned the ride and returned to the parking lot.
Dog Eddie.
Beautiful day, I removed my long underwear top. Potholes had lots of water.
Ride was moving time 2 hours 10 mins but we spent like 4 hours out.
Another bumpy ride back to the hard road back to shop. Drove down to WA rec center for shower. Ken who works @ the desk told me he is a bird watcher. I asked him if he had spotted condors here. He said he sees one frequently in Zion on Angels Landing.
Back up @ JEM TH. Another colorful sunset. I parked my van facing the hwy so I could watch colors going down. This aspect will expose the other side to the sunrise. Forecast is for more of the same.
I might ride Hurricane rim trail again tomorrow.