Last night I stayed late at the Eatery enjoying the hustle and bustle of a busy gourmet pizza dinner time. I met Tom and Tim who were driving a VW Westy I waved to several times. They just returned from the Ore to Shore mtn bike race in Marquette. They know Mick and Beth.
The eatery is special; They serve pizza till 7. However, they reopen for special groups such as our Thurs eve ride and on Sat for a group of theater directors who gave of their time to put on a play for young kids. I enjoyed my time there. i ate a pizza and drank a beer every night I was in Cable. Thanks Mick, Beth and the Twins.
Last night I drove towards Hayward to camp at Seeley Pass where our Thurs ride started. Plan is to have prescription refilled in Hayward right @ 10:00 AM when the pharmacy opens. First in line. I picked up my meds @ 10:38 then headed south to Levis Trow Mounds outside Neillsville. I fought w/ the gps route several times opting for the shorter distance but longer time.
I made the southern TH just b4 3:00PM under cloudy somewhat rain threatening skies. Undaunted I headed out on an attempt to follow the IMBA epic route. I made several signed intersections until vandalism eliminated the epic sign. From there on I wandered playing a mental game to untangle the small red lines signifying mtn bike trails. I saw a flash of brown bird feathers as its owner took flight. I saw a white linear object fall to the ground not far from me. I checked it out: a headless nonpoisonous snake that the bird had killed and was eating. I pedaled away not knowing if the raptor returned for sustenance.
The trail works its way around several mounds that appear to be sandstone. The iconic trail pic is the wood bridge between 2 slabs. The first time I rode it I scraped my Suunto watch crystal against the sidewall. Tight fit. I wandered around a bit.
I paid $13 for a primitive campsite @ the ride center TH. H2o and flush toilet.
Fascinating data: I have 4156 miles on the XTR rear cluster and 2882 miles on KMC chain w/ no skipping. I do need a new rear tire or a new set of Ardents.
Tomorrow is Minneapolis big city. Rest day. Tues will be Cuyuna IMBA ride center.