Yesterday I rolled into Brevard, NC from wet N GA. Just wet. I drove back highways from Clayton, GA to rt 64 in Highlands. I stopped @ an overlook to well, overlook what was below. I had my big camera in my right hand while I attempted to step up onto a rock barricade. Either my eyes are off being unable to calibrate the step or my leg lacks flexibility. Whatever, my shoe sole struck the rock on my step up which became a fall back down landing on my left rear cheek. I kept the camera safe. A care had parked just behind me and the driver just got out. His timing was to my health benefit as he caught my head b4 it splattered against his front bumper. He is a mtn biker, we talked trails and I thanked him multiple times for saving me.
I rolled into The Hub parking lot. Sam, the owner was working on a bike. I was one of their original customers back in ’09 when the first opened. I was told about the 6PM shop ride that I jumped on. While in the store a familiar face was seen: Shrimper, a local character and well liked. Hearty embrace.
Cashion and wife Eva drove up in their Sprinter. They are connected to a biking center venture Pisgah Farms. I met Cashion this spring while he was there for a bachelor party. There is an article about his venture in last issue of Bike. I asked if i could camp @ the Farm. Cool, have a place to stay out almost @ DuPont.
About 15 riders headed out on the ride, all had the pedal to the metal, except me. Dropped on the flats. Plan was to ride lower Black Mtn then down a new piece of ST. Steep climb up reclaimed old logging road, again, way off the back. Eva rode keep up. Part way up the skies dumped, what was loose dirt became slippery mud. B4 I got to the downhill the group turned around and rode back down the way we came to prevent damage to the fresh trail that Shrimper had just finished working on w/ his mini excavator. Slippery downhill w/ mud splattered glasses. Ride stopped @ Davidson river for a rinse off. Some riders submersed their bikes to rinse off the mud, my bike stayed muddy but I rinsed off. Back in town a change into dry clean clothes then dinner @ a sushi restaurant and conversation. I drove out to the farm and parked in a drive way under a spreading maple tree. rain fell during the night.
My warranty replacement phone arrived. I did my wash @ Tony’s, again I am a regular once a week washer. I drove up to Ashville to a Verizon store where a tech made my new phone come alive partially as some stuff didn’t come across.
In Sedona this spring i met Dave who is in marketing @ I 9 Industries, they make incredible hubs and wheels. Dave and I talked about putting me on their wheels. Yesterday I called him and we made an afternoon appointment. He toured me thru their facility then set me up w/ a new pair of enduro wheels, spoked in gold, really showy. The rear hub has 3 degrees of engagement compared to King 6. These wheels are in same class as King and Stan’s rims but is just a little bit better. I get to evaluate them. I look forward to less rain.
New wheels, replacement phone, new shoes, and still waiting for replacement XM tuner and another pair of shoes. And less rain that ain’t happening.
Yesterday Trek rolled out new bikes here. Pisgah is right up there w/ Sedona in terms of demanding riding conditions and reputation.
Translvania County where Brevard is is labeled the waterfall capital of the US. Lots of rain and little soil covering the bedrock underneath spill the water as waterfalls.
Riding here w/ the humidity and or rain my riding clothes become saturated, even the baggie overshorts. I can only get 1 ride on a pair instead of the 2 to 3 in the low humidity rides.
A fire is burning outside bend, OR that affects the Phil’s trails. Last year Sun Valley burned. No telling what will burn in the west. Maybe my plan will be to drive from Spokane back to the SE for the fall riding. Fall colors, no ticks or chiggars.