Way too many other people sharing their recreation with me. The crowds now are the biggest I have ever experienced in town, on the trails and camping. Weekend demand.
Today is Saturday. This AM I drove away from the sleep spot out past Wild Horse XG which is full. My ride today was to be a short ride on the Horsethief trails. I shortened my ride by parking at a TH where Chisholm crossed the gravel road. Saved about 1.25 miles of sandy road. I started just after 9. I encountered a group right at the start, courteous exchange and passing. Turned onto Mustang for a wander around this system of trails.
Ran into 2 riders. I joined Get Away right where Bull Canyon leaves off. Shuttle riders dropped off up high descend Get away. Several groups of riders arrived at the junction. Wondering about trail etiquette as I would pedaling uphill against their flow. We all played well together, I was given the uphill right of way. Lots of riders. Mix of older people, some had the ride thing going, others like it was an amusement ride. We are who and what we are, it’s just so many at the same time.
My plan was to finish my ride then drive into town as I needed water and comfort quantity of beer bought at the state liquor store not opened on Sunday. Busy town. Filled water containers and a few groceries. I was on a hump because I wanted to be out off Willow Springs rd early afternoon. At Gearhead’s parking lot, free filtered water source, a guy stepped out of his car. Pat from Spokane. We chatted , he described where he was camping on Willow, it was the same place I stayed in earlier in the week. Today when I arrived the place was almost plugged. I chose a spot on irregular slick rock with maybe 75′ separation. Just now a pickup pulled in maybe 20′ away. This is the first spot off the highway. More campers will prolly squeeze in as the night falls. Shit I am part of the too many recreaters.
Yesterday I rode from camp spot to join Chisholm going north to pick up Navajo Rocks system. I like this new piece of trail. Turned right on Big Lonely. A rider said hello to me, it was Dave from Bend. We were riding our loop in opposite directions, ran in to him again later. 3 hour pedaling for 23 miles, my longest ride this year.
No internet out at Horse Thief. Several thunderstorms hit after I was back in my van. Strong winds rocked my van.
Today when I drove down to town the parking lots at Middle earth and Ramblin were packed, the lower lot had rigs parked on the shoulder of the road. SHeesh. So many riders.
Wed I pedaled from Willow Springs spot out to Klonzo system. Early start lessened others.
Thurs was a short loop on Brand M trails then into town for laundry ans supplies.
I have ridden 7 days straight. Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of rest for me and allow weekenders 1 less rider to share trails with. Maybe back up to Horse Thief to ride Bull Canyon loop on Monday.
Many more mountain bikers, more here now than Sedona. Easier trails here perhaps? More pedal friendly miles.
City Market is main grocery store in town. Learned from checker that this store borrowed him from the Cortez, CO store, 2 hours away, paid per diem and OT wages because labor shortage in Moab.
9:45 PM. More campers squeezing in. Just too popular.
Just sniveling because I am sharing with way more people than previous years.