Wow, I have let many days pass without sharing. Succinctly, I left Bend this AM, climbed up to Diamond Lake, skirted Crater Lake then made my way to Rogue River to ride a new trail, Mountain of the Rogue which Leslie wrote and article about the trail in this issue of Dirt Rag. I checked their weather forecast wanting temps at least in low 90s. Today was the day. Big drive from dry central high desert Oregon to the sea level at Reedsport. On rt 230 down from Crater Lake there were numerous FS roads closed because of fire activity. Extreme danger. Even over here on the coast there is a burn ban. I checked with the FS visitor center outside of Bend to learn that alcohol stoves are not allowed as they can not be put out with a valve.
So, the Rogue trail was opened in 2015, it’s sort of a one way climb way up to top then descend on a definite down hill only trail. Lots of poison oak. Nicely built trail, give it maybe 5 more years to weather in.
The climb mostly faces south and west which brought to bear the direct rays, been a long time since I sweated my glasses. Bitch. My lap took an hour. Per a local at the TH that was pretty fast. Not smokin but not needing supplemental O2. Still severely dehydrated.
From there making tracks to Reedsport and the coast. Picked a state XG. Drove down the road into the park and only at the XG entrance was there a sign saying full up. Sign should be out at 101 to save frustration. Staying at a Douglas county park.
Tomorrow I will drive up the coast to Florence for the drive back across the coastal range then on to Oakridge again. I ordered and paid for a new Absolute Black oval chain ring to arrive mid week at Sunnyside. Should be back in Bend at weekend then split before the eclipse.
Riding in Bend has been dry and dusty. Deep pumice powder. Again, riding by myself I don’t eat that dust. Today I left from rd 41 where a few drops hit my windshield this AM. I drove back into Bend seeing water puddles. Town got it but just a bit up the hill, nothing.
Thursday I did another brushing evening volunteer work with COTA. I went again to attempt to correct the scorched earth effort on the ceanothus of the previous week. My observation and suggestion was not well received. The growth does not occur from where it was cut, that branch dies. New growth just occurs. Gary chopped out several root balls which had runners. Not like Knapweed but similar tenacity. A brief thunderstorm squall caught me near a XC shelter where I made a roof over my head for the brief dump. Tonight the brushing was minimal. We walked a piece that I helped brush last year with Woody, the snowbrush did not need cutting.
I only rode 3 days between ;laundry. Hot on all days and on some I rested.
The Runt is still top drawer.
Samsung pushed an upgrade which has affected downloading several web sites.
My replacement Garmin Edge 520 arrived. Beyond shitty directions and the thing won’t allow access to several main screens. Not happy, will learn of its performance when Garmin customer service plays email with me.
Van is running strong on the flats and downhills. On the uphills it is a bit faster than an air cooled VW Westie. I don’t put my foot into it. 208,xxx miles.
Long day, looking for bunk time. The PT worked over my back, visit last week he used just his thumbs for which I am still sore. My right side still restricts my movement both on the bike and sleeping. Dave told me to sleep on a real pillow to keep my back and neck properly supported.
August 15 is seasonal opening of Flagline in Bend. Big ride coming up.
Tomorrow going to walk barefoot in the ocean at sea level elevation. desert to ocean. High to low.