Monday I drove to friend Reid’s place to enlist his help on a roof leak. He had a working body, ladders and knowledge. My concern was the roof joint under the solar panel had failed create a leak source. We crawled on top of the van then removed the panel from the roof. The seam was intact. We puttied up the insert holes again plus slathered on some roof leak stuff around the Fantastic fan and called it good. Water travels. Haven’t had sufficient rain to check on leak.
I took on water,groceries, and beer then drove up past Horsethief XG which where I stay is 5705′. Picked another spot as my usual spot was occupied.
Plan was for a big Tuesday ride, my test, both of body and spirit. Route to be was from camp to Chisholm at the BLM XG entrance taking it to northern end of the Navajo Rocks loop, then ride the loop and return same way. On paper it penciled out. Brain was a go. Body delivered the engine and reflexes. I put almost fill 100 ozs in my pack bladder and 2 Clif bars. I was in. I pedaled off about 9.
I am familiar with the entire trail route. Big ride, to be low 30s miles and around 4 hours pedaling. Day was spectacular: sunny, slight breeze, temps is upper 60s: full on sun. A dab of sunscreen on my nose, pedaled off I did. Great riding popular trails on week days. This is another place where you pedal, It could be shuttled down to end of Ramblin perhaps. Nobody on Chisholm either way. On Coney island I started encountering riders. On group was from Bozeman who owns a distillery there. We chatted about Bozeman things. Other riders just a hello in passing. I did encounter others coming and going. I ate both Clif bars, next time take 3. Water was down to a strong cup. Body energy held up as the spring left my pedal stroke. I stopped for 2 vape breaks which addled my thought process, didn’t numb me out. As a mental test it was of perseverance as there were bail points to shorten the loop. I met my self imposed test pedaling 31.7 miles climbing 2461′ working for 4 hrs 17 mins. I did enjoy a cold Moose Drool recovery drink not quite as soon as I opened the van door. No cramps
No internet at my sleep spot yet travel as a raven on a mission would about 3/4 of a mile to the small Chisholm parking I receive 4G 2 bars. Weather forecast has low probability of rain events.
For Wed I had another big ride thought about. However, skies appeared threatening along with brisk wind and 50 degrees. I decided to just ride out to internet reception which was close enough if the weather didn’t agree with me. I heard emergency rig siren, it stopped just as I got to the highway. Nothing there. I decided I could go for a shorter big ride and chance the weather. I rode Chisholm out to highway. Trail crosses Mineral Bottom rd. There were the emergency rigs, US Park Service going thru a SUV, 3 guys were off in the desert. Couldn’t tell if they were cuffed. rangers pawing thru personal gear for what(?). Changed plans again to just ride Rodeo.
On Rodeo there are several features that challenge me. This year I made several of those challenges by sessioning them. Seems first attempt becomes a walk it and ride on. I found by sessioning it and making it I gain confidence in my ability. High THC content helps.
back at the van in the afternoon I worked on my bike. I had been troubled by a skritch sound. I isolated it to my seat area. I checked my Fizick saddle which seemed sound, however, it has been on the bike for years. I felt that it was the source. I bought a new saddle, Fabric Scoop model which is a top rated saddle. I rode it during my bike ride. Skritch came back. Today I pulled the seat post then smeared a light coating of Phils then slipped it back in and torqued the bolt down. Skritch went away. It was the post but I have a new saddle.
I went for a desert hike linking slick rock staying off the dirt. Weather became more threatening. Hail fell as I hastened my way back to shelter. A short time later a T storm struck with driven rain. Safe and dry.
Today was a rest day and resupply. Clean clothes, full water and propane, another sixer of Moose Drool, and a clean body I am back at crowded Klondike for more riding. I picked the same spot as it was only one empty again. Forecast is for more rain events. Get internet at sleep spot.
Chilly at night again, so open door. Furnace sometimes ignites on first ignition, I turn it on, the starting process begins: a blower fan turns on which lasts for a long minute, I hear a pizo striker sound, next is sound of burning and the green light on the control panel lights up and hot air is blown into my small living quarters. Sometimes the firs spark doesn’t catch. I turn the furnace off and wait for several minutes then start the starting over again. Usually the furnace lights the second time. It seems the unit mixes propane in a chamber with air then sparks it. If the mix is satisfactory ignition happens. Chilly now, going to fire it up. 53 degrees at 9 PM, 4613′. If green light remains on for more than 20 seconds the furnace will burn. Warmth will soon be felt.
Good night.