Among other things it makes these Oakridge trees grow very tall and it grows dense coverage in the regrowth cuts. Except in the old growth or old cuts that didn’t cut the smaller unwanted trees. In old growth the tree canopy is thick enough to absorb all the sunlight thus shading the forest floor to shade out almost everything except for ferns.
My right hip has been telling me it ain’t happy. Riding concerned me as I thought my pedal stroke was responsible and prolly is. I have mixed in ride / rest days to allow muscles to calm down yet still be able to ride here in Oakridge.
Yesterday I was told bear grass was going off. I was told that if I hiked up Bunchgrass trail from where Heckletooth takes off I would hike into a meadow resplendent with blooming white flowers. I headed out. I missed a turn which kept me climbing and climbing well past what I remember. Didn’t know where I was going but I was making great time on a non stutter bumped 1 lane resource extraction road. I stopped finally and did a 8 point turn to reverse direction. I turned on the correct rd drove some more till I arrived at trail crossing. I parked taking up as little space as I could steal from a narrow spot. I hiked up Bunchgrass in deep forest cover: lots of tall straight trees. I kept going anticipating a meadow opening around each trail bend. I just saw more trees. I left the trail following old roads towards Squaw peak but the regrowth finally blocked my path. Git a 6 mile hike but no bear grass. Narrow full bench cut hand built trail on steep steep mountainside. van started then I drove back down aways to an old gravel pit for the night.
Today my plan was to cog wild shuttle up to Alpine. I did my bfast thing then made ready to get under way to be at the Merch by 9:15 to book passage and prepare for a ride. Van was max packed at maybe 11 riders and bikes. wonderful narrow challenging single track dropping thru thick forest cover. Using 46T granny and slowing my pedaling allowed me to climb everything except for a step up root problem that continues to vex me. The first rider was so far ahead I never noticed dust in the air. At Tire mtn intersection I had a choice to make: choose Tire would increase the length and amount of climbing or continue on Alpine and let gravity protect my hip. I chose the more pleasant ride. Still, 1 hr 31 mins pedaling non stop for 12.7 miles dropping 4360′ mixing in 1102′ climbing. Again, the rapidly changing patches of sunshine and shade hinder effective reading of what’s ahead. Still the bike held a steady line and the Formula Cura brakes kept my speed in check. Max speed was 19.97mph.
Pics? Not a tourist today, just a bomber.
I hung the filled solar shower on the front hood to catch solar gain at an oblique angle. I hung at the red Bridge park spending time visiting but didn’t stay long enough for hot water. wash cloth wipe off sufficed.
Olivia just completed her massage education. I sought her advise. Point release to make affected muscles longer thus eliminating the pain. Making headway.
Leave tomorrow back to Bend.
Youngsters are taking over the mountain biking population and being part of their own change. Gone is the sausage riding kit as are narrow tires etc. No longer is it just enough to pedal, I let lesser amount of air under my tires than the feature would permit. I have participated in the evolution of the sport, however I notice fewer riders close to my age and a preponderance of youth.
Off to Brewers Union.
Local distillery, Deep Woods, creates a corn liquor, Canadian Moon. I visited their main street location last weekend. I sipped a sample triggering me to buy their smaller 1 pint size. The content level drops quickly. Today I stepped up to a fifth from the local liquor store.