Occasional light sprinkles fall upon me parked at the upper Jem TH. Parking area surface is crushed red pumice dirt sufficient coverage to stay above clay dirt that when wet is sticky slippery mud. Yesterday’s forecast called for 70% chance of showers which started while still in bed. I deemed the road out will be firm enough for uneventful drive out. Fixed french toast on my griddle, pure maple syrup, cold brew coffee I make from River Rock roasters that is built right to the cliff edge of Virgin River in La Verkin. I provisioned myself to stay here all day if wanted to. Rain changed riding from here. I needed to return the DVD Ken Burns Vietnam to library in town. Decided to drive down to town to drop off the DVD. Not a business was opened. Gas stations with card readers were open and fueling customers. I put thought then effort to ride Church Rocks as the tread is mostly sand or sandstone. Drove to where the dirt road left for the TH. I waited. I did some online stuff. I could see to the SW prevailing weather: dark low clouds, low ceiling. Hmm. No ride. waiting for a sucker hole then maybe change mind. I might have been able to ride in the dry in a hole, maybe. Vaped a bowl which perked me up. Yes I can. Before I could take action a strong sprinkle fell. It was a sign. A rest day inside, not even a walk. Drove back thru town then up to same spot. Road in was firm, seems only tracks were mine leaving. Sprinkles continue to fall off and on. Dark, no celestial bodies light.
Last Friday a weld shop repaired my JOBOX by straightening it and welding a new hinge on. I emptied the box on his sidewalk. I drove across the street and parked in a vacant lot. The Propex heater seems to be plugged again rendering it only potential when unplugged. I slithered under the van and removed screws to access the firebox and orifice. I chickened on removing the orifice so I screwed the plate back in place. Running the catalytic heater, much prefer the forced hot air blower noise Propex. called shop in Camp Verde who last year did the unplugging. Appointment at 9 on Thurs.
My fork was serviced at OTE: new seals and oil, and rebuild of damper assy for first time in its almost 3 year life. The charger cartridge in my KS LEV dropper developed a slight drop when sat upon, diagnosis: remove and replace. Parts ordered. Work performed: dropper took too much weight to go down and almost couldn’t get out of its own way when rising. Told it was grease and speed will return. I rode later forcing my thumb into the lever to drop then waiting for slow return. That night I watched a KS service video. No grease was used. Problem deduced is the valve is not opening sufficiently to pass gas. Told shop my suspicion. New service to tighten the internal cable to open the valve. Fixed. Close to $200 bill.
Drove down to Santa Clara from camp s[pot elevation 4281′ to 2800′ to ride Barrelroll etc. I park at the bottom then ride up a social trail that climbs up to TH, about 1.2 miles, climbing right out of the box. Hump. I ride in 3rd largest cluster gear which is 36T which I enjoy being easier than the 32T of the 42T cassette. Learned how hard I worked. I still have 42 and 46T. I have been pedaling bigger gears on Hurricane cliffs rides. Trails here are more technical different rock that description fails me. I am riding better the problems I have made and better attempting some that I should be able to make. Workout. Nice day. Maybe 10 other riders, actually was acquainted to 4 of them. Sure nice functioning dropper.
Yesterday I stopped at OTE. Plan was to buy a pair of Smith glasses which size wise are close to a shield. My eyes tear in colder temps or at faster speeds. Bought preferred rose colored lens which lets in more light and my eyes are visible which is important to me.
Drove out to Quail Lake SP area to ride Lakeside and over to the Boy Scout trails on the other side of the lake. Lakeside is like 2.8 miles each way, total time was 57 mins. Puts distance into perspective. Carved into steep mountain(?) side right above the highway, impressive layout and execution. hard ride. Next was connector Twist and Shout over to another Lakeside trail to connect to Cub Scout trail which is a different technical flavor. I walked when my engine lacked the power to complete an uphill move or the degree of difficulty exceeded my ability. I walk what I need to.
No pics to add.
Living in the desert where I am the tallest thing around until another rider shows up. No water, no trees. In years past a rancher has run cows here on the Hurricane Cliffs. Not here this year. There are no grazing plants. Drought.
Tomorrow customer focused liquor laws. PJs for Gonzaga games. Whole Foods. More red rock desert.
Last summer I was invited to join Jeff and friends to ride OLeary ridge above McKenzie Bridge. He sent a utube of part of the ride. I attempted to add a link to it, Check out links, Labeled Oleary ride.
10 years living in this van. Earlier I read several web articles on van life. Rookies but they are on the right path. Articles on essentials, some just 10. Writers pick what they view as essential. I could make a spread sheet to learn commonalities. I have most of what I need from their choices or my version of same. I built out my van back in ’06-07 when like only Sportsmobile web site for knowledge was available. My Dad liked to sail which introduced me to sailboat cruising: little space. Backpacking experience added. I have adjusted to what I have and finding what I need like water, propane, and groceries. I buy food that I can prepare in my galley on a 2 burner propane counter stove using either a Crusett 2 quart dutch oven, a skillet, a griddle, or a small saucepan. Dishes are enameled metal. I do use a hand thrown clay mug, this one is less than a year old as I write the purchase date on the bottom. I just like hand made. XM radio for human connection.
Door latch handle arrived Friday. car shop screwed it in place. I now have a working side door. Gentle opening is needed as the latch is vulnerable to breaking under hard load. Curb my temper.