Wed eve I rolled into Steamboat Springs, CO seeking my posh lodgings. I parked on the roof of a parking garage as I was too high (me too). I checked in and they sucked funds from my savings. My choice. Later I saw several examples of dirt bagging. I lived between my van and the room. Late night TV sucked me in, the queen sized bed and great sheets were great as was the shower.
So many conversations and info was gathered and exchanged that are now part of irretrievable internal storage meaning thoughts will be scattered.
Highlights certainly were teh 1 day of lift serviced downhill on Rustlers which is a blue run w/ deeply bermed corners. Big G-outs. Stutter bumps leading into them. The bike just sucked it up. 4 runs for 8,000′ descent. Crazy algorithm in bike computer displayed like 2500 cals burned as a result of the gondola rides. My thighs were burned from being incorporated into a supplemental suspension element.
I reconnected w/ people I had met around the country. Many jogged my memory of our meeting. Many others introduced themselves. Lots of beer available, I kept my consumption low. Lots of food esp the deserts for my sugar habit.
E bikes are the hot topic. IMBA has worked for years to maintain the image of human propelled mountain bikes. The E bike companies are seeking IMBA acceptance. At present conflict exists as do the laws. They are not a motor but an assist from an electric motor.
Branding Helena, MT is quite an accomplishment.
I asked Zack of BLM employment how other user groups compare to IMBA’s effort for land access. He said the horse and hiker groups lack effort to influence their cause. Last summer I helped @ a trail care crew visit @ Elcey Falls, OR, and managed by BLM. BLM will build the TH and a core trail from which 3 lobes spin off, one for each for hikers, bikers and horse people which are to be built by the user group. So far only the mtn bikers have turned to to build.
No evidence of anybody enjoying CO’s legal weed.
Sat was the scheduled shuttle to the CDT ridge top trail. Rain started falling early Fri evening that continued off and on during the night. The FS denied us access so we lost out. Rain fell off and on during the day. I stayed in my van.
Sunday I checked out and headed west to Vernal, UT on my way back to Spokane. Crossed into UT w/o seeing a border patrol check. Nice windy day.
MTB Project is a great source for ride info. I researched Vernal and found a new trail for me. I corrected the writer’s instructions and arrived @ the TH. Sheesh. The “trail” was unsigned cow paths. I bailed and drove on to McCoy Corral where I had ridden before. It was apparent very quickly that hellish rain had fallen which created water runoff channels. Narrow trail w/ sharp edged narrow gulley running down it kept me on my toes. Soil is clay which holds water. I did no damage.
I spent the night beside the corral and not in the TH parking which drew several cars thru the afternoon. I parked facing west. Clouds were rolling in before dark. After dark I was treated to an incredible light show as there were maybe 3 separate storms. Lots of lightning. Rain fell. I was awakened several times by severe leg cramps in spite of taking electrolytes and drinking water. This was my first night in the desert since last May when I left Sedona.
Clear morning but wet trails.
I drove back into Vernal to access internet. Goal today was to buy Medicare Gap insurance. Betty, I need Medigap and not Advantage. I enrolled in Regence plan F for $171 a month. I will postpone prescription drug coverage for the future after I exhaust several more months of the expensive COPD med.
I called a bike shop in Park City, UT, my next stop to learn about trail conditions. No, they received too much rain.
I made a refrig service appointment in Pocatello for Thurs. Forecast calls for continued probability of rain. Today is sunny and warm which is drying out McCoy. Haven’t decided a travel plan.
Going to visit Troy @ Altitude bike shop. Troy is closed on Sun and Mon, no open shop.
O)n the way out of town I viewed a pending storm, fantastic to see the separate edges:
I like being back on my lifestyle.
Interesting story about only the Mtn Bikers showing up to build. I met a young fellow at MBO who hails for Corvallis Ore and builds trails there. He told me Forest Service insisted on their new trail being multi use. An equestrian ventured onto the trail during wet conditions creating the usual post hole damage. The trail builders showed the damage to Forest Service who closed the trail to horses. Progress is being made!