Hot and dusty. Almost every turn in the Phils trail system are bermed which means railing the corners. Aim and steer at the base of the berm then carve. Counter steer a bit. Zoom Zoom. Not every turn is equal, each turn needs to be assessed for firmness. Softness takes riders by surprise as seen by dusty clothing. Not every rider. No rain since dump back on June 20.
My favorite Phils spot has been occupied before I get there. Plan B is right near where Marvins Gardens crosses a gravel FS rd. I will just say that a woman has a collection of tents and tarps about 100′ away. She occasionally yells something about America, So far she stays over there and I stay at my van. Stayed at this same spot several nights. Tonight I scored my spot away from her but right above the guys in the old style blue trailer that is still not leveled.
I have a pretty good handle on these Bend trails: I know the hurting climbs and fun downhills. Lots of pedal ups,how bad do I want to feel?
Today I rode from camp going up Marvin’s Gardens turning on EKG to Expressway to Grand Slam. Many chunks of basalt rocks “growing” out of the dirt. On Grand Slam I encountered a smaller feller buncher slaying trees of less than maybe 12″. It was working right close to the trail which was not closed for logging. The machine tracked into stands of trees. Them cutting holding arm pushed against its prey. a burst of large chips from hydraulic chain saw then the tree is grasped, then the machine moves as needed to drop the tree in a pile for the grapple skidder
to haul to the landing. Liza and her dad stopped to also watch. We bush bashed splitting the turn to stay clear of the falling trees. I turned left on Storm King down to Catch and Release then wandered on Ticket to Ride then COD to catch Marvins back to cold beer in my fridge. 20 miles.
Yesterday smoke was in the air, not overwhelming but noticeable from odor and sight. No big fires nearby.
Yesterday afternoon I spent some time in the air conditioned library figuring out where I want to go. I figured WA state for Yakima, devils gulch then up to Twisp and Winthrop. Travel is dependent upon fires and smoke.
Sunday was a big hot 30 mile ride.
It’s hot.
Aubrey at 10 Barrel bought me a beer for my vaniversary.
Today I spotted something wiggling on the trail. I stopped to look. Appears to be a straggler Pandora moth adult working to free itself from its pupae.
No mosquitoes.
Better internet coverage at this spot.
Hot and tired. Sweating here typing.
ran into Cathy of TRID. She is also van living and mountain biking. She camps out where she wants and rides by herself. I stay by myself.