Really. On the McKenzie highway down river from McKenzie bridge.
I drove out of Oakridge this AM. A parting salute from Todd @ the Mercantile. I drove the scenic drive up the N Fork of the Middle fork of the Willamette river then down the South fork of the McKenzie stopping @ the ranger station to learn about the trails. Dereck said he and guides from Cog Wild worked last Tues on O’Leary. A woman FS person was very helpful chasing down info. Sketchy info. I called Cog Wild speaking w/ Ryan who also cleared trail that day. Said ride would work. He said the non shuttled single track took 3 hours. I would add maybe an hour plus of road climbing. He said that Lev, a partner of Cog Wild, is over here guiding for several days. Didn’t ask where. I made shuttle arrangements for McKenzie ride on Tues from another service.
I parked behind Herricks in the sun. I put the solar shower on the hood again. I rode a short distance to the Kings Castle TH crossing the river on a restored covered bridge. A Cog Wild(CW) van was parked at the TH. I left my card on the driver’s window greeting Lev. This ride is to be an up and down to Castle Rock way above. I humped my way up, another grunter: 6.35 miles climbing 2627′ in 1 hr 28 mins. Just below the top I encountered the CW group heading down. Lev was along. We greeted each other. He invited me tomorrow to ride the shuttle up to O’Leary. No charge. Good deal. Once @ the top i called the river shuttle and cancelled. Big view, big timber. Devastating clearcuts still get cut.
It took me 36 mins to get back to van. Again, wet side Cascade single track. That 36 mins seemed like a long time.
The CW group was finishing up their post ride beer as I rolled in. I meet them @ 9 tomorrow for the ride up.
Better Ride taught me to look way ahead looking above the trail tread. This full vision has really enhanced my riding skill. The skill is now the norm. That and my fine bike make for fun gravity fueled distance. The LEV dropped works when I am sitting on the saddle and push the lowering lever and comes up smartly when I push the lever. The Formula T1 brake on the front is very effective. I have it adjusted to just about lock up the wheel.
Back @ the van the solar shower h20 was toasty. There was too much wind too parking lot shower. How about this:
I drove back to the TH for the night. Strong 4G internet signal. Enjoyed the hot h2o shower.
Rain started falling just b4 dark which is almost 9. I am in deep timber which sucks up the light so night falls earlier. Forecast calls for rain the next several days. Wonder if the CW group rides tomorrow.