Yesterday’s ride at Beacon was a flat day for me, the ride didn’t speak to me. Today I planned on making amends by a long slow ride @ Riverside then drive up South hill to listen to the Spokane Symphony outdoor concert.
My ride was enjoyable in the heat. I checked the forecast for Spokane and Sedona: same temps but Sedona was getting monsoon weather. I pedaled slower but harder as the heart rate data recorded. I played as I rode. Time flowed downriver. I determined I needed more time to get to the concert etc than I had left. I made a black bean burrito craig special then hit Bill’s house b4 the magical 8:00PM when they head to bed to support 3:00 AM get up. A short visit and shower and then out to the van. XM reception is picky where I park, amazing a few feet one way or the other determines no cut out music.
Riverside SP is the second largest park in the state @ 8,000 acres after MT Spokane @ 13,000 acres. The tree cover is open P-pine w/ some dog hair thickets. Parts have been burned since I arrived in Spokane. South of 7 mile the trails are less technical and are fun to spin on. I also used the focused vision technique to get me over rough spots. Fun. I was surprised @ my hi heart rate for the fun I had.
Tues was a no ride day. I visited REI b4 my hair cut appointment w/ Renee who has been grooming me since 1990. REI is air conditioned and has lots of neat stuff. I scored a new pair of Patagonia standup shorts my size on sale to replace a pair that are truely worn out. You can’t but this worn out look. Oh, you want my 30″ waist 5″ inseam collector shorts? Well, let’s talk.
Coiffed I headed to Terry and Meg’s place for dinner. They moved onto Doak rd just across Argonne where I used to live. Beautiful place w/ a skyline view of MT Spokane. Terry is a basketball ref for greater Spokane area. He loves the game. He reffed Morrison who incidentally lives like next door neighbor. Then back to Bill’s for the night.
Today was the fridge appointment, the all day we have your van and no you can not be in the service area living in it. Cal rescued me w/ a shuttle ride to Riverside for a short ride. He invited some of our Boeing buddies for lunch @ the Elk. Tom and Mel joined us for a mid day beer to return to work.
Now, caught up. Temp is in the 90s and forecast the same here in the Inland Northwest, summer’s last hot go. Temp in 50s @ night and low humidity. Sleep in comfort and sweat evaporate during the day.
I ordered a Roadid elite identification band. Neat. I have an account on line where I enter medical and contact info. I will use this as my coumadin notification. Medical personnel can access this info on line or over the phone.
My drivers’ license is in the mail. I ordered a new XM receiver that is to arrive Monday. I will visit Andy & Jen in C d’A Wed as I head on down the road.
Hey readers: My travel plan is Coeur d’Alene then Missoula then down the Salmon to Stanley, ID. Next is Sun Valley area. From there maybe Pocatello. I am thinking Steamboat, CO for fall colors. I ahve heard a good and a non plus vote for Steamboat. I am asking yall for ride recommendations along this route. Or, if your idea is so over the top and the drive is not spendy I would take you up. Just add a comment @ the bottom of this page. Thanks for ideas.
Didn’t snap a pic.
Oh, the fridge: The tech discovered that the main valve off the propane tank was 80% open then opened it wide open. The fridge is working the way it should. Leave the temp setting on 5 out of coldest 9 and the fridge temp will fluctuate w/ the van interior temp. It should hold a food range temp. I have peace of mind that the fridge works as it should. Thanks to the other mfgers suggested by readers. Going to stay w/ Norcold gas absorption fridge until it craps out. The 20% gain will increase fridge cooling.
Hunkered in the shade just off Whitworth University campus in a gravel surface lot. I am having trouble getting my head around how young these college freshmen look.
Friday is my 62 birthday.
I was getting ready to head out when my phone rang. On line was Joe from Jim Thorpe, PA who helped me back in 2008. He saw my van as I was backing out of the cty park where he works. I was leaving because I couldn’t part w/ the camping fee. He invited me to join him in the park’s car. When he learned of my adventure he literally collapsed in envy. I learned he was care giver to a son w/ a crippling disease and a wife. He had obligations that kept him from adventuring. He was envious and supportive of my life. He aided a free campspot that came w/ a shower. I have never been so cold as I was in that hot shower. The next day I rode the disappointing best ride in PA. He called the next day to check up on me and offer his hospitality. I thanked him but spurned his offer as he was not “one of us”. He called me this AM because he found my card and wanted to know how I was doing. He still can’t go. I have learned there are many people who want to do what i am doing but external / internal issues prevent them from embarking. Almost 3 years later I have amassed many stories to share w/ people such as Joe for them to perhaps live vicariously in my adventures. Today I would have accepted Joe’s hospitality and shared w/ him my stories. Go Joe.