Visiting Kevin called, arriving after dinner. 1 day to ride. Signed up for Alpine shuttle with Cog Wild, $35. We shared camp spot.
Wed I drove us to West Fir, pick up and ride completion location. Perhaps 13 riders and bikes. Shuttle saves the agony of pedaling many miles of resource extraction road 1910. Drop off point Kate’s cutin that Derrick and I built several years ago. Solid build. Up and over Sourgrass, beargrass flowers are well below their green leaves. Our ride plan was ATCA with several bail points. Down thru Jedi section, hit Windy Pass then a bit of a climb to exit out into alpine meadow suspended on mountain side. A bit further is the Tire mtn trail, choice one. Tire mtn section is in virgin forest which is such a treat because of its rarity. Big descent has to be paid back. Virgin forest: big tall hemlocks, cedars, doug fir, neck won’t arch back far enough to see the tree crowns. Quite, dead sound so much mass. Real treat as a tourist and skinny old hiking trail attraction for mountain biking. Credo: you are either a tourist or a biker, not both. Tread is soft duff, more wet hence secure than Bend.
Climb out affected our facial expressions. Discomfort is such a personal experience, no stopping to take pics. Kevin’s body told his brain that I am seeking the way out that will spare me of 1460′ climb in 3.52 miles to get back on to Alpine descent. I turned to finish ride. Took 53 minutes of non stop pedaling to reach Alpine. Hot day.
There are no stick season under conifer canopy. Lots of shadows interspersed with bright sunshine splotches. I need to read the dirt hidden in the shadows and squint in the brightness. Hope is consistent light. In the old growth 1st regrowth forests sometimes no sunshine reaches the ground.
So, ATCA is a favorite ride of mine. You attach your personal pleasure to this ride. Old school hiking trail, deep conifer forest cover, soft dirt, speed, bumps, climbing, beat down. Climbed 3396′ and descended 6476′. Shuttle ride. Steep mountain side bench cut trail bordered by lots of greenery which if you chose it will sooth the vertigo. Used a good chunk of my 7″ of fork travel. Upper body beater.
I invited Kevin to a home cooked dinner. I fixed “that” chicken dish. Clean plates. He left early this morning.
Last 2 nights were very warm, above 70 degrees. Slept with side door open and netting across. Amazing that there are no mosquitoes. Last night I started with a small battery powered fan aimed the length of my bed. Sort of worked, no substitution for 60 degree nights.
Brett from Wood River advocacy group stopped by. I me her at Sun Valley.
Interest and effort have been depleted.