The high pressure ridge that blocked moisture since like July has been breached letting cool air w/ rain enter. Mid afternoon rain started falling lightly until now @ 8:00PM the rain is occasionally drumming on my roof. Means great riding tomorrow. No… weather forecast makes the rain go away but high winds to 30mph w/ gusts to 45 take its place. Deep forest riding w/ trees breaking the wind and it that’s all they do all will be good on tacky tread.
Today I drove into town after lounging in bed under doubled down blanket but no heater on, leaving the warm nest finally happened. My right butt cheek is way sore to sit directly on. My bed exit moves consist of bearing weight solely on that cheek. It hurts. Yesterday I walked in the forest out where I camp. I am able to walk almost pain free, its the sitting that is painful.
Drove into town. Stopped @ Cog Wild and chatted w/ Melanie and Lev, the owners. I signed up for a shuttle ride tomorrow up to Dutchman Flats where the BBFT started last Sat. Pick your own route back to town. This afternoon I checked the forecast that called for the above winds. I called Cog and spoke w/ Lev asking in essence how they will protect their shuttled riders. If the shuttle goes does that mean that they believe the conditions to be safe? Will they be the arbiter?
Drove over to the laundromat I used last week because they have a utility sink that allows me to fill a gallon jug I used to transfer city water into my van tank. A man walked up to me and asked about what i was up to. He is interested in doing the same van idea as me. Kerry is his name. World liver he has been. Kindred spirits. Spent lots of time talking about our experiences and how they supported a point we were making. Nice conversation. So long that I cut short my shopping @ Whole Foods as I had a 3:00PM appointment for refrigerator service.
Fridge tech said that it is what it is. I should expect 10 degree temp range. If it won’t get below 40 degrees then it might be toast. he said that these RV fridges were designed to run at max 6 months at a go. Need to verify that as mine is on 365. He charged me $10 to blow out the burner which now burns w/ a steady blue flame.
Found another SNAP that has showers which is between Phils and 10 Barrels. I’m set. I have the makings of a night ride from where I am camped and a shower on the way to beer and food. I have the light. I avoid night riding because I always am able to ride in the light, i want to shower b4 bed, and eat someone else’s food. It’s all relatively here.
I camp on USFS land in the toolies out @ Phils TH which is about 4 miles from 10 Barrels. I am so close in. I have 2 bar internet strength.
The current issue of Freehub has an article about COTA, Central Oregon Trail Association. Funny, in today’s paper i cut out an announcement of a COTA trail work project this Saturday. My plan now is to stay to participate.
Sun Valley per forecast will be getting this same weather. Great trails unless snow falls.
About 150 riders did the BBFT down a bit from last year. Little marketing was expended whichwas offered as a reason for low numbers. I rode the BBFT 2 years ago. This year at the last aid station several people welcomed me back and knew of my lifestyle.