Yesterday I drove down as in dropping elevation from 8609′ to 7238′ from Happy Jack to Curt Gowdy SP. Drove into deserted campground, paid my entrance and camping fee then found a spot. Long story about satisfying the “system” for the site will be left out.
Weather forecast called for rain last night , needed to ride today to get it in. Clouds built up demonstrating the forecast accuracy. This is the 3rd time I have ridden here meaning I had vague recollection of what I wanted to ride. pedaled off. First reacquaintence was decomposed granite tread which is like kitty litter that moves under my tires.
Encountered one rider, we stopped and visited. He is from Marquette that we shared in common.
I rode trail named Canyon that dropped into a canyon. Familiar plant showing red:
I used Trailforks for navigation. Trails are color coded, some beyond black as red. last time I pushed, carried, lowered, whatever to get thru one red trail. Today i sought blue and some black if black lead to blue. In short while I realized that the trails are under rated for what they really require. Blue Crow Creek had real nasty walk a bike rock gardens. Final was Pinball rated blue. Your observation?
Grip shifter. I paint glitter nail polish on both the shifter and the grip which lines up to the 3rd largest gear
I was still out of breath even at lower elevation.
Weather was closing in. Back at van cool enough to stay inside. fed and cleaned myself. Before bed I stepped outside, I felt snow but temp was 44 degrees. Furnace ignites maybe 75% of time, tolerable and work around. Not even cell phone reception.
I made black beans with rice. I dug out the bag of Basmati rice and noticed a mouse chew hole. I thought I missed that when I cleaned out under the sink a several days ago. Hmmmm, another mouse? Dunno. I woke up and laid in bed trying to go back to sleep but didn’t happen. I heard a mouse action noise. Shit, more. I got up and dug out the new Victor trap and almond butter bait then set the baited trap under the sink. Again, laying awake. I heard a muffled whap. I got out of bed and opened the door. Success, another mouse goes to the great beyond. This trap pan has bends in it which captured the butter. The mouse licked it clean before it snapped on it. It died with a full belly.
Precip fell mostly as real thick fog. I was on the road by 8 headed to Fort Collins. Today would not be a riding day. I googled bike shops and picked to me the most interesting then drove to it. Visited with shop guy. Talked E bikes. He said don’t knock it until you ride one. Over my dead body I said.
PUSH Industries is just down the road in Loveland. I was up for a visit. Drove down. I walked in the front door. Introduced myself and asked if I could speak with Darren, the owner and mastermind behind the suspension tuning success. He came down and greeted me, we remember each other. He gave me a tour of the shop and we talked about manufacturing etc. I asked about the $1200 elevensix shock and why I would want to part with that much $. He said what they do is bring in every bike that their shock would be applicable to and test it engineering wise. Only bikes that the shock makes a big smile notice do they make a shock for it. My Turner RFX made the cut. I made my decision and opened my pocket and ordered one. Coil shock makes for a much more supple suspension which keeps the rear wheel on the ground for improved traction. They custom tune the shock at the factory eliminating the rider trying to figure out how to tune it. From the get go it is a remove the old then bolt in the elevensix an go ride and wait for fatigued face muscles from enjoyment. Their products are in great demand such that I have maybe a 2 week wait before it is on my bike. His business has grown so much since may last visit. I told Darren if I weren’t “employed” elsewhere I would submit my application for employment.
Going back to Fort Collins then out to a FS XG on the Poudre. Urban sprawl with little USFS land. Sunshine tomorrow then hope for a dry enough trail to ride here.
Waba Sabi in Moab called me today asking if I wanted to volunteer for the T-day feed again. I called back to say yes. Happy that I was asked back and so early. Last year they served 750 hungry appetites.
Whole Foods and REI in Fort Collins.