But then you knew that.
Yesterday I drove out to the N end of bangtail divide on the gated road. About 3:30 AM I heard an ATV engine then saw lights. two machines, 2 operators were trying to open the lock keeping the gate closed.They fused. I didn’t know who they were or their purpose. I kept an ear open. Communication between the 2 and someone on a radio established that they were official. I asked if I was OK, they asked I back away from the gate. Apparently some trail runners got lost up on the mountain and they were part of the SAR. No correct key to open the locks. One ATV was 4X4 track, the other was conventional which they managed to squeeze around the barricade. I crawled back under the covers. Towards daylight a diesel pickup parked w/ the tailpipe aimed @ an awning window. The exhaust became my clean air. I closed the window, finally the driver returned and drove away. After bfast I drove down to the Brackett TH for my ride start. The entrance was closed by SAR as a helicopter would be landing depositing the rescued runners. Soon a chopper did land raising a violent dust storm from the rotor wash, later the parking lot was opened. I said Hello to several rescuers, one apologized for waking me. The runners were stuck out over night.
My ride today was to test my upper body. The route was about 1/2 of Bangtail going up Olson Creek instead of Stone creek @ the S end. I would be on pavement for about 4.5 miles, then another 4 climbing a RER leading to about 6 miles of the divide. My rear tire held air after the speedy downhill. The climb up the gravel road was OK. Then the divide down. Yesterday I installed my new T1 Formula brake on the rear using the local library parking lot as my work area. After what adjustments I was able to make I was not able to bring the brake pads in as close as I like. However, the brake easily locks up the rear wheel, which is easy to do. The brake does have a smooth feel. I adjusted the front brake to agree w/ the pull of the rear. I can count on consistently locking up rear wheel which I used to help make the switchback turns. I scurried down back to the van and a cold beer.
My shoulder still hurts and sometimes doesn’t allow me to sleep even after a dose of pain med. I rode today w/o any abuse. I am getting greater range of motion and strength after doing exercises. It’s still fucked but maybe not as bad as I feared.
I finished my ride. I made a list of chores and groceries to buy in preparation of upcoming W Yellowstone rendezvous. Next is diesel and then a soak in the hot spring resort.
I am planning on driving part way to W Yellowstone this afternoon staging myself for a ride tomorrow then meet Spokane folks Sun night.
Hailey and Ketchum are still threatened by the fire burning just W of main valley highway. Fire appears to burning what Castle Rock back in 2007 missed. Lost are all the front country trails just N of Hailey. 68,000 acres. Lower hill slopes are sage brush that will burn quickly and hot. Expensive houses snuggled in the gulches vegetated by sage desert.
This day in history 44 years ago: Woodstock. I was a tallyman for a timber cruiser on the Umpqua NF, Toketee RS, Diamond Lake district. I was helping set up timber harvest of virgin old growth while Santana played.