Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. Well, that ain’t science but it made for a good description of how cold it has been this week. Like almost single digit at wake up, like 47 at the prolly “hottest” spot in the van at the ceiling. Doubled over summer down blanket and a stocking cap has just sufficed. Gunnison was 4 degrees where I added the 20 degree down bag on top.
Monday afternoon I drove out to N Klondike area planning to spend 2 nights and ride 2 days. Night time temp started dropping in preparation of next 3 nights of cold. A bit of wind. Discovered that there is a gap between the refrigerator and the outside when the van was parked broadside to that strong wind. Laid in bed with wind blowing on my head. I solved the draft with a single strip of 100 mile and hour tape, figured to go big. Speaking ( writing) about the fridge, the darn thing cycles temp independent upon the temp in the van. Allowed low bush blueberries to thaw for the last time.
The sun rose on the back of the van. The wind had died down. Temp was still low enough for 2 wool tops, knee socks and warmers, and wind shell. I am here in the fall, after floral completed .
Sister Lynn called engaging me in conversation distracting my train of thought.
Fall here is no green.
The ride on familiar trails suspended by PUSH ElevenSix shock. Again, what a treat for traction control and stability. Dino is a hoot with lots of blue square level tech features, challenging and satisfying that I am able to ride them. My legs are stronger also which I am using to muscle up climbs in higher gears than trying to sit and spin up.
I rode to far end of Dino then returned on EKG for awhile till I was burned out. I dropped down to Dino to face a nasty cold head wind. The trail offered wind shadows and sun warm patches. Just getting nasty progressing to low teens and strong winds. Hunkered back in the van. The furnace makes warm air but can’t keep up with the heat loss. To do this van again I would facilitate for a larger furnace.
Prolly fewer than 10 rigs out at Klondike, cold weather thins the crowds.
No riding last 2 days because of cold. Today driving out of Moab the van reported 35 degrees outside as I drove by the Bar M trails where I could have ridden. Parked at sleep spot in the full sunshine. Checked temp again: 55 degrees suitable riding temp. I could of but didn’t.
Tomorrow is November 1. Daylight savings off this weekend. Temps back to 60s and just above freezing at night. Good conditions. No rain however.
9:19 PM, temp is 57 degrees where I am sitting, outside is 29, furnace is full on. Comfort of warm bed is calling.
Finished The Guardians and returned it to bookstore for in store credit. Struggling with Beloved.
I am burning almost a gallon of propane a day now. The tank holds 5.6 gallons. Here in Moab I buy propane from the feed store.
Tomorrow is the magic day that changes where beer is sold. Grocery stores are able to sell high beer, 5% and less cutting into the state liquor control market. Utah specific.