First post was done et up.
Yesterday was a rest day. I drove into town driving 7 miles of gravel Tillman road where I rode the day b4. GPS liked it. Last night the GPS had a different route in mind to return me here, checking out scenic backroads until the route chose a farm driveway. Then I fused the GPS map to find Stokesville. Only overnight rig in the parking lot, no generators or neighbors.
I scored an orthro DR appointment for this Tuesday. My knee ain’t right.
I parked downtown in a public parking lot (free). When i returned to my van I saw that somebody had poured something sticky down the hood and the right fender. Add car wash to chore list. The change machine spat out the numerous $5 bills I fed it. I changed the singles I had into quarters. The stall acted as a wind ventouri prewashing me.
I shopped @ a mall for a replacement gold earring, 3 stores to choose from.
I drove back out to Wild Oak TH for the night. After dark winged insects many of the same species find their way around the window netting. Last night was packed w/ them. My riddance solution was the dust buster sucking them up. However, the battery died very soon. I turned off the light and went to bed. I was not followed. Funny, in the AM I found none as they found their way out.
Today my ride plan was to ride Lookout Mtn loop then catch the start of the tour Deburg. As I was getting ready a pickup truck sped into the parking lot. A guy got out. He was going to ride a gravel crusher ride on kinda cross bike. We started together. We climbed up. And dropped down some downhills, his 25mm tires high pressure were just a little faster than my 2.4 @ 22psi. He turned off for his ride and I continued. Climbed up to Lookout Mtn ridge line until a single track split off. A ways along the trail was rerouted for sustainability reasons. Rock gardens, mostly were downhill w/ gravity providing the energy. I lost concentration several times causing me to walk a feature. All by myself. My I9 wheels are so incredible, another feature is the strength of the wheel build. Stiff spokes require no windup before moving forward. Amazing how they help riding in the gardens.
Back out @ the road I turned left uphill to the start of the time trial. Mike pulled in just as I arrived. I said I would help. He said great, I need you up at the top of the climb to time racers for the Super D. I said give me a beer and I will ride up the downhill and time the racers. I had already ridden 2 hours, a good finish for me. I was freaking out that I would not get to my station b4 the first racer. I was beat. I made the climb and finished the warm beer b4 the first racer. Several racers said they remembered me from past. I was here 2 years ago for the first stage of the race. After the last racer past I rode down what they climbed completing my loop of Trimble mtn.
Today’s riding was 23.6 miles climbing 3800′ in 3 hrs. I’m passive as I type this.
I spent the night again here in the TH. High humidity and low 70s at night.
Using the solar shower. I have been getting water @ the quick stop gasoline stations as they usually have a sink that they let me fill from.
Yesterday I ran out of propane that I discovered around 5:30. An ACE hardware store is right outside of town, on my way out. I filled there in the past. I pulled in to an empty parking lot except for 3 employee cars. I stated my need and they met it. Filled up. The spitter valve is clogged again.
I bought a pair of Endura Lite baggies from SBC. The material is way lighter than another pair of their pants that I have. The heat and humidity plus effort creates sweat which quickly soaks clothing. I wear synthetic, I can not imagine wearing cotton.
Tuesday is knee DR appointment, I am here until afterwards then prolly longer. I suspect a torn meniscus that will have to be surgically fixed while here. I can ride w/ no discomfort but walking lets me know that all is not per print.
Mariners are above .500. I catch their games on XM. Home games are 7PM PDT which is 10PM bed time. I listen for a while while in bed.
Insects are back, 2 are on the computer screen.