33.2

Miles climbing 2986′ moving on my bike for 4 hours 25 mins. On Sunday I responded to my personal challenge of riding the Mrazek loop. It is what it was: just a challenge of perseverance. I made it with the only hike a biking being on several tech moves. I just parked my tongue in yes I am enjoying this effort. Nice day, few people to share the trails with. I learned my body and mind can still step up to this type of big effort. Next challenge will be the Flagline loop.

The flowers produce a sweet smell. Smelling the fragrance assures me that I can still smell, loss of sense of smell is to be a symptom of having covid. The bush is a vibrant grower sending its branches outward and upward seeking sunlight. Unfortunately, those with the method of destruction have more immediate power than stationary bush: we prune back the branches as they encroach into the trail cylinder. Mrazek trail is maintained by a private party, not COTA. COTA maintains Farwell that I have participated in brushing efforts over the years. Last year’s effort was directed at cutting the lowest branches as it seem that they were the most energetic in growing outward and upward from base which intruded on to the trail. I checked out several places where we cut to observe success of keeping the brush out of the trail. Prolly need another year to see results.

At the junction of Mrazek and Farwell I ran into 3 riders resting. One was Jimi whom is on his own traveling odyssey. I met him at Brevard a bunch of years ago and recently at Boulder City. For several days we have been sharing campsite.

Yesterday I attempted a shorter rest ride. Sort of. 19.2 miles climbing 1666′ in 2 hrs 28 mins. Pedaled thru uncut forest albeit some of places the trees have been marked for future harvest. Mastication is the mowing of the forest, environmental destruction. I suppose the nail in the coffin so to speak would to prescribe burn.

Today’s forecast temp is 93 degrees. Taking a rest day.