I have been flirting with big rides maybe to learn how hard / far I can push myself. Yesterday was another test. I am learning that it is just pedaling and pedaling. Several rides ago I raised my seat about a 1/16″ which made all the difference in how my knees felt which allowed me to pedal pain free, I could better enjoy pedaling.
I have been staying up at Swampy at 5729′ which is maybe 8 degrees cooler than in town and less crowded. The trails are less worn and in nonlogged forests. Staging for this big ride.
Big ride went like this: pedal up Ridge Loop to connect with umph big elevation gain on greener Swampy / Dutchman snowmobile trail up to Dutchman snowpark, it still takes 59 mins of effort. Dutchman TH is high point for shuttles. Pedal out Flag access to Flag junction, this part I rode last week. Today this point marks the last bail point, continuation of my ride turned on Metolius / Windigo continuing to Happy Valley to join Mrazek, turn right and descend Farwell, speed down Tumalo creek, hit almost 27 mph not touching the brakes at all, refill water at Skyliner lodge then climb up Tumalo Ridge. Today I took Swede ridge to Swampy back to Van. 31.7 miles climbing 3333′ pedaling for 4 hrs 20 mins, 420. Met / Win is old growth forest. Happiness is being in real nature.
Met / Win is a big effort riding either direction, today was the first I rode it this direction, big climbs from Flag to that high point then descend to Happy Valley. More smiles this direction. Deep shade. Big hemlock old growth. Upper Mrazek to Farwell is back in lodgepole forest.
Carrying enough water for this ride is of concern. I started with about 90 oz in the 100 oz bladder. I worked at drinking frequently. I suspected I might need resupply as I no longer have a fat reserve which is stored water. I dropped down Farwell then down Tumalo creek to Skyliner lodge and the outside spigot. I opened the bladder to see about a cup of water remaining. I was successful in drinking enough and satisfaction that after refilling I had liquid for the climb back out of Tumalo creek up Tumalo ridge then humping Swede ridge. On Swede’s “steep long” climb I stopped 2X for a blow, I pedaled it instead of hiking as numerous foot prints indicated.
I like being up in the old growth forest. To write “timber” views trees as a commodity versus “forest” which to me is undisturbed nature. So little of original old growth exists.
Thurs night I was away from this Swampy spot. When I returned on Friday I observed someone’s pledge of love to a woman. Sat morn when I woke up someone had spray painted their version of graffiti and left 3 cans of spray paint. I planned on packing out the cans but when I went to retrieve them they were gone. A couple was sitting in their pick up enjoying post ride libations and they observed my quest. Guy apologized for taking the paint. I told him I planned on removing them. Great that others take action to keep America beautiful. I talked of defacing the love token, he gave me a can, I sprayed the circle with stripe to lessen the guy’s love. Can of red Rustoleum.
Smoke is clouding the skies, scattered and only lessening the air quality to yellow from green not like several years ago. Forecast calls for clear skies tomorrow. Smokey here however.
Went for a walk last night on Ridge trail. Lodgepole forest has not burned for years far longer ago than I am old. Such a fuel load. When it burns it will only be extinguished by winter snow.
