Stuff b4 Braken.
Sat I worked and aid station on a road bike race put on by Todd & Heather. I worked it w/ David and Sissy whom I rode w/ on the Shrimper ride. Our location was way out there and almost on the Blue ridge Highway. It was a 100 mile race. Our location was almost @ the top of the monster climb. The slower racers were showing signs of heat and exhaustion. I need to develop the courage to ride on these roads that have nothing beyond the white lane line. We entertained the racers seeking aid @ our station. Beautiful mountains densely dark green. Very pretty.
I drove from the aid station down to the fish hatchery outside Brevard via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Way up 2 lane 45 mph, non commuting road. Spectacular.
At the hatchery I figured a ride I had done previously years ago. I hung the shower on the van and pedaled out. I found the trail that parallels the road to a gated road. I turned in here believing this was correct. I found Caney Bottom trail taking off under and archway made of rhody trunks. Not where I wanted to be. I had not ridden this trail. Classic Pisgah: rhody thickets, roots, very narrow, rooty, who knows how it was built. I climbed up to the junction w/ Cove creek then turned downhill. Great bike instills confidence. Back down on the road I returned to take a solar shower hung from a security fence right off the parking lot. Back into town for dinner @ The Phoenix again. Slept @ the Farm again.
Sunday back into town. Found Todd & Heather loading up the last of the race venue props. Made plans for 3PM Braken mtn shuttle. We met @ Oscar Blues Brewery. Got to ride w/ both.
The ride from the hatchery climbed an old resource extraction road that was in excellent condition tread wise. 7 mile gradual climb. Braken mtn trail system took off, 4.74 miles of incredibly machine built by Todd. Old growth trees. Todd says it is his signature trail which shows off the caliber of his work. I’d ride it again. Not typical nasty Pisgah.
We finished @ the brewery. One beer each then I drove Todd back to the hatchery to retrieve his wagon then drove to their house for dinner. Heather fixed chicken and i finished sharpening her knife. They are people that we slide into each others lives and it seems like a beat was never missed, let alone 2 years. We wear each other well. Hugged goodbye then drove to the Farm a short distance away.
Today I drove into Brevard early. Shrimper and I had coffee @ the other bike shop in town, kitty corner to the Hub, Sycamore Cycles owned by Wes. More time w/ Shrimper. Drove over to the Hub to pick up I9 axle adapters to fit a 10mm axle. Sam had the axle also. Said good bye to the Hub and headed towards Wilksboro. I picked up the parkway towards Boone. Another wonderful scenery drenched drive. Fog blew over the 5432′ turn out. drive the Parkway.
Goal today was Kerr Scott Lake and camping in an Army Corps of Eng campground. Dropped down to 1161′ and heat along w/ humidity. $12 fee.
Installed the 10 mm axle which will make the rear end really more stiff. Riding in the muddy grit work off both brakes pads.
My bike is so outstanding for me w/ the 5 Spot frame DW suspension, Rockshox Pike 150mm fork, I 9 wheels, KS seat dropper, 2X10 drive train. I am very pleased w/ what I have built and paid for. So much fucking money. It is now insured for $6,000.