Still freeze thaw

Freeze at night, sunshine and mid 50s during the day. Wait till mid afternoon to ride. However, shrinking patches of muddy tread remain. Yesterday after my ride I needed to wash off the blobs of dried mud from my legs. I sprayed the dried mud my bike off using my tree sprayer with cold tap water after sundown in the chill.

Yesterday was a busy day starting with laundry to be completed before dentist appointment, drive van to repair shop, and meet Doug for a ride. Clean clothes put away. Dentist treatment ran long, no cavities but bigger issue of loose teeth. Doug cancelled riding date that I would have been too late for. Scrambled to make repair shop for 1 PM appointment which at best was a casual start time. Gave the van and my keys and trust to the shop then pedaled off on my time.

For my ride I coasted down Coffee Pot road to Sunset park then to pick up Old Post dirt. Patches of shallow red slop but not clinging mud. Skywalker was mostly dry as it faces drying sun. Scorpion in the shade of Schurman mtn was firm as basalt baby heads kept wheels off the dirt. But the piece along the flank of Pyramid was sloppy. Ridge to Sketch was mostly dry. Sketch was dry and sketchy as trail is narrow bench cut tread with exposure and tech challenges which either baffle me of lack of confidence to attempt. Still learning characteristics of new suspension performance.

Pedaled back to repair shop. Arrived at shop where van was sitting out front with the hood up. Perceived that as a bad sign. Learned that it was open to show the coolant system. Michael showed numerous deteriorating components including the radiator. He will price out repairs that I will pay for in February. New parts for turbo system went in without a hitch. I paid then drove away. I perceive more engine power. Still reading Gone with the Wind where the time period is after the Union capturing Atlanta and Scarlet refugeed to still standing but resource depleted Tara. Union troops are scorching the earth of resources leaving survivors mostly women and young children destroyed financially and food starved. I understand the South’s hatred of the Yankees.

Parked at Cultural park waiting sun warmth.

Zags won last night over tough Portland team. Mid way thru 1st half the Zags were getting shellaced then turned it around right after halftime for the win.