The last 3 days I have ridden a route that is part pavement and part dirt. My shoulder stands the exposure to potential damage should I fall on it hard enough. Mantra: stay on top of the rubber. The first day I rode from Snap which is in closer than where I camp. Pavement to a paved bike path that cul de sacd leading to a tread of dirt. I remember riding this piece years prior. Wide sane trail dropped down, I rode one switchback but the second was sporty for my lack of timing. I walked across the bridge over Tumalo Creek then found a nicely graded and fine graveled path. I rode that as it climbed up creek. The return was on more advanced dirt single track. I walked several challenging features. I climbed out of the creek , back to the bike path, then pavement back to van. Oh, I rode out to Phils on lower Marvins Gardens. No risks taken other than being on 2 contact patches w/ earth of less than 4″. The next 2 days I rode from where I camp which boosted the total to 15 something taking just under 1 1/2 hours of pedaling. Shin pain continues. I am toe down pedaling and working the hip muscles. My shoulder is strong enough to reach the handlebar in the proper orientation. I avoid unnecessary pulling up on the bar.
Today I repopulated my Wingnut hydration pack w/ bike stuff and wore it. Old water in the bladder.
The woman PCT hiker told me about Halfmile’s PCT maps. Friday I bought color copies of the maps I need from the Bend public library. Great detail contour. Most importantly he notes water access and camp spots, the better spots have both. No detailed guide book required, although I might study the 2.
Why maps? I would like to finish the PCT from Stevens Pass to Canada. I am testing and conditioning my body to meet that desire. Tomorrow I drive back to La Pine for furnace service as it doesn’t always start on the first spark that Karl said it should. From there I drive back north on the Cascades Lake highway to Elk Lake TH for an over night to Horse Lakes basin. Maybe 14 miles loop.
I return to the van then drive to Oakridge to help at the Cream Puff and maybe some easy riding.
I need to be in Bend on the 3rd for my last scheduled PT session.
Last night I worked over the PCT maps learning how I would hike the 107 miles. I used 10 miles per day most went either way. 10 days. 10 days of food figures 2 pounds= 20 pounds plus fuel.
After PT I will drive back to Willamette Pass to hike in to climb Diamond Peak which is visible from Oakridge.
I spent time researching backpacking boots as I believe I need a more of a boot hiker than an low cut trail shoe. Today I tried on 2 pairs at local REI. I bought Vasque ST Elias. Long distance hiking boot.
Last night @ 10 Barrels a young woman walked in I looked and caught a side glance of her. No way. I looked full on. She was a spitting image of young Linda Rhonstadt when she was w/ Stone Ponies in the late 60s. Later I told her so.
I enjoy riding. My sense of timing is returning. More challenging stuff wait.
I am able to brush my teeth and hair ( different brush) w/ my right hand which reflects range of motion and increased muscle strength. I just barely can tip a pint.
Chilly night last night in low 40s as will the next bunch of nights. This AM I started the furnace while laying in bed to learn of its performance. It started after several tries. Good sleeping nights.
Phils TH is plugged all day long and the trails are bone dry dusty.