Computer ate opening words.
Today I rode a big ride up Tumalo Creek loop. Trail crossed under Tumalo peak which was obscured by low cloud layer. Brilliant blue skies in the dense hemlock forest. Snow was melted off the trail from storm 2 days ago. Trails were just super. Years ago I had two days of spectacular powder skiing in white out conditions down Tumalo above me.
Not a cold evening, I ran the heater on lower settings, seems to stay lit. Temp fluctuation makes the down blanket too warm. Definitely warmer back by bed, much more so than the catalytic heater. Jury still deliberating on this heater, waiting for below freezing temp for final vote.
Mr Crabby has been parking back in the spot from where he attacked me for camping so close. I get here b4 him, funny, let it go.
I drove away just after 9:00 heading up Skyliner to Skyline TH. Ride is to get up on Flagline. Route will circle Tumalo creek watershed. Temp was mid 40s when I pedaled out. Climb, climb. Just a few warm blooded folks out.
The North fork trail climbs along Tumalo creek then above its source. I rode thru old growth hemlocks. Snow was melted off the trail. I topped out @ 6800, Good grunt.
Up higher the clouds burned off letting the bright blue sky to show. It hurts so beautifully. Somewhere up on Flagline the elevation started dropping almost constantly. Rocky chunks, roots, water ruts, smooth, good turns, etc all on hero dirt. No dust. Drop the seat, squat into attack position, take advantage of huge wide bars for leverage, let the suspension suck it up or leap up. Just keep eyes focused far ahead. Great ride.
Back @ van I savored a beer and lunch sandwich of whole wheat bread, almond butter, local honey, and hummus. Finger licking good. I drove into town to Sunnyside to use their bike wash station. Stuff on the bike was woods dirt consists mostly of hemlock needles, hosed off easily. Took a shower then drove into town to Crows Feet crossing to experience Sat night in town. A Zombie race happened. Drove back to 10 Barrels for dinner.
Friday I rested. I checked out Crows Feet Crossing that Dirty Finger told me about. I met the owner, Dave. He initially drew a blank on me. Later he remembered that we rode together @ Amasa Back 8 years prior. Time is correct because it was the initial van trip to Moab back in’06. I drew a blank on him but remembered a bit of the ride together. And I met Hailey….
Beautiful fall weather is forecast till Tues. I still have 1 more big ride to do, prolly tomorrow. Be a pig and enjoy it.