On Wed after my Santa Fe ride I drove all the way to Clayton, NM in the upper right hand of the state. Clayton was affected by the Dust Bowl back in the ’30s. My maps showed grassland east of town. I couldn’t make what’s on paper to agree w/ what was on the ground. Instead I went to plan B which was to find the local airport to camp. I found Clayton’s which is a failed relic. I parked almost on the perimeter fence, after dark a security lamp turned on lighting me up. Pleasantly chilly night. Thurs I continued my drive eastward.
I stopped in Boise City, OK seeking historical postcards. I was directed to the museum identified by a dinosaur. A woman helped me, I bought Ken Burn’s cd about the Dust Bowl. I watched a bit last night. Timothy Eagan was prominent speaker. The woman showed me a dugout house. I saw an older man working on a Farmall tractor. I started asking questions and listening to his knowledge. 87 yo. His grandparents traveled from Missouri to Beaver County back in 1903. He described how wheat was harvested and made ready for sale. The museum had an old thresher and early interal combustion tractor. He kept telling me more. I reached a point I needed to leave to get further down the road. I kept listening. Finally I broke free. So much to learn and I wouldn’t invest the time.
I continued east stopping in Guymon to do my wash. This town was focal to the dust bowl. My desire was to reach Roman Nose SP outside Watonga, OK. I fell short checking out the Seiling airport for camp. Grass strip, several abandoned hangers. I picked one and parked in front. Quiet night.
Today I drove into Watonga. I was searching chain saw bar oil to use as chain lube and a squirt bottle to dispense. I found the oil and settled for a squeeze bottle of Elmers glue and liquid hand soap, empty the contents then fill w/ oil. The elmers will wash off w/ h20, residual might glue to oil? Rinse out the soap and fill: might the residue break down the oil?
I shopped the local grocery store, bread on my list. No wholesome whole wheat bread. wait till OKC tomorrow.
I drove into Roman Nose SP dodging golf carts sharing the road. I found the starting area. Several riders were visiting in the parking lot. Guy told me to keep the white ribbons on my right. I geared up and headed his info. Blooming yuccas and prickly pear cactus? Really.
7.5 miles, climbed about 500′ per lap. I did walk the hill and another one. Course had many tight twisty pieces, short sight lines created many surprises. I aggressively pedaled up the step ups. I put on the new Continental tires, today I lowered tire pressure to 23 psi as the tires first ride felt hard. I moved the seat forward putting more of my body over the bottom bracket, seemed to benefit. I rode the course 2X. The ribbons lead me on an established route as there are a few lateral trails, all not marked.
The XG is getting packed. I learned of the campground layout then drove to a small loop. A park ranger was present. I asked him for parking advice. We had fun interacting, he made me deal on a campsite and honored my senior status. he said that I was trying to work him down to nothing, I told hi m my goal was for him to pay me to camp. Crowded XG. Paid $10 that included a shower and high density people.
Elevation is uncalibrated 1683′ , I dug the dense air. I am affected adversely by high elevation. Lake surface is 1373.
Tomorrow I will drive to OKC and ride Lake Stanley Draper Lake. Weekend traffic.
Warm and humid.
Yesterday I entered the water zone as i saw flowing creeks and deciduous trees. Midwest. Humidity comes with. Tonight might be without the single layer of down blanket.
Flirting w/ a head cold.
I have ridden 3 rides on chain saw bar oil. My chain doesn’t squeak and remains pretty clean, cleaner than the wax build up of Squirt lube. Will the oil enhance the service life of the chain? The purpose of the lube is to fill the spaces between the roller and chain link keeping the abrasive dirt from scoring the rollers which make the chain longer. .