sailors’ delight. Sundown filtered thru forest fire smoke made the sun bright red like a cherry. Firefighters’ curse as there is no rain to dampen the fires burning in the west. Tonight I drove back to the pass but drove to a past logging landing where the slash was burned. Right above the XG but well off the summit and out of the wind. Iwas able to watch the sky from my open living room door. Too cold for mosquitoes and flies. I am back to wearing my wearing out Pisgah sweater and some times sleeping w/ a cap.
Today I drove back down to town for one last visit to Helena. I made a provisioning stop @ Safeway prior to riding. in the parking lot I spied this van w/ a wild paint job and the word “Escape” on the hood and 2 mtn bikes on top. I walked over and asked what their story was. Young Belgium couple road tripping. I shared ride info for them and we parted ways, their ride and my ride were not to be the same.
I parked right across the street from Blackfoot brewery on Grizzly gulch for my ride. Beer would be my reward after my ride. My knees really hurt. I took yesterday off to rest and to see if they hurt less. Yes, there was less hurt. Today i needed to find out how much I could ride. I discovered that my seat post slips down lowering my butt and increasing the bend in my knees which is where the pain is coming from…. I hope. After last ride I set the seat height and marked it w/ white adhesive tape for a visible sign and tightened the pinch bolt. I haven’t found the torque value yet: too tight and it pinches the seat dropper retarding its speed, too loose and my knees dance on my chin. Today the seat stayed high. I pedaled thru the discomfort.
I will describe Helena’s trails as “angle” either up or down. I rode up grizzly gulch via Wakina way down to Grizzly up to start of Helena ridge trail. Grunt climb to ridge. My forward progress comes as my body can propel myself, I am slower and not as strong on climbs. Blue bird day, temps cool enough not to sweat, but very windy on the ridge. Zipping down maybe a 16″ wide below grade tread reacting to strong cross wind gusts. Stay off the brakes. An object in motion stays in motion until acted by a greater force. I was heavy enough to remain upright. 13.99 miles in 1 hr 58 mins climbing 2473′. Beetle kill P-pine and doug fir.
I changed shoes and walked across the street for my refuel reward. I was wearing bagging bike clothing that is touted as able to go from riding to sipping in polite company. I didn’t drive anyone away from me.
And then back out for camp.
yesterday I did not even start the engine as I stayed resting. Slow internet speed.
Sat. I rode a longer South hill ride. Up Mt Ascension, down and up out of a gulch, up orifino gulch, up to Staiway to heaven down to Grizzly, back up Orifino then climb back up then down to davis road where I was parked. Thunderstorm, all noise just a few drops. Big hump 13.83 miles in 2 hrs 10 mins 2731′ climbed. Beer again @ Blackfoot.
I bought a shower and soak @ the health club on Sat.
Smoke filled skies forecast heading west. Tomorrow i am moving on to Missoula to ride rattlesnake.
My lifestyle puts a smile on my face. I can be where and when i want to be there. I saw a sunset that people in Helena didn’t see. 2 days ago I was 15 degrees cooler than 85 degree town. I make do w/ what i have in exchange for this freedom. My time is my time. Earning an income takes almost all of your life away leaving you w/ weekends and maybe a few weeks of vaca. I will ride this as far as I can take it.