Been a bunch of days out of internet service. Tried for last 2 nights out at spot on Trail Creek road outside of Ketchum. Seems rigs pull up, drop anchor, then the residents leave tor return at their preference. Hogging spots when they aren’t even there. I stayed at 1st spot on Corral creek that was just out of range of service. Been riding N of town which is out of cell phone.
So, today Steve and I rode out of Greenhorn again with planned ride up Lodgepole. Our ride time was 10, and for us that is wheels turning. Early start today as Steve is readying for a horse show at Spokane. At my wake up spot at sunrise it was 23 degrees. Greenhorn was considerably warmer but I did start with a wool T shirt under my light weight wool jersey. We pedaled up Greenhorn then turned onto Cow creek trail. 4 archery hunters passed us heading out, they told Steve of sheep up the way. We arrived at trail to head to Lodgepole except it was occupied by a large band of sheep.
They were going the same way. We modified our route to ride Cow creek loop. A small group of sheep headed up our way on and off the trail . Our concern was the single track that was littered with still steaming sheep droppings, we rode over the freshies. My front fender kept my teeth white, didn’t check my shorts. While the fender from Pisgah seemed out of place on these dry trails all summer, I smiled. I am now faster climbing than Steve and he is about the same speed going down.
Steve rides a 29er, I ride a 27 1/2. Wheel diameters make a difference as did the step from 26 to my 650b. Following Steve has made me a bit faster by riding rougher lines as his wheels roll over better than mine. Today insufficient wind kept the dust cloud obscuring the narrow below grade tread with occasional pedal bashers hidden by fall killed tall grasses. A hoot downhill. Some of why we ride: free speed after earning our turns. We rode this same route last week, today our times were the same : 1 hr 12 mins of pedaling. Steve left and I remained, I set up my chair and sat to enjoy warm temp and sun.
Going back to Steve’s driveway to watch the president debate tonight as he has signal.
Yesterday I woke up at Trail Creek, 27 degrees where shaded by mountains blocking sunshine.
I drove up to Oregon Gulch TH where we start the trade route ride. Today it was ride up the Gulch which climbed at rideable steep. Steepness changed once I turned on the connector over to Fox. Been a long time since I walked my bike so much.
back country seclusion.
A wind event several days ago blew down perhaps 10 trees on the descent down to Fox. Some I slithered under, others I hoisted my bike over. really the shits as the trail was downhill, safety necessitated keeping speed under control inside my sight line. The trail would turn and there would be a downed tree. Shits. Steve and I rode this loop last year, again the ride times were almost identical. 11.3 miles climbing 1873′. I was worked. Rides are shorter than like Bend’s but there is way more climbing, and resulting descending.
The wind event shook loose a brown carpet on a short piece, Doug fir needles.
On Sunday we drove up to Baker Creek to ride Curly’s. Ride was 1 hr 28 mins of climbing, 7.93 miles climbing 1516′. The dropped onto descent which is many places had a sustainable shallow angle interspersed with some steep fall line sections. Seat slammed down, athletic pose, and keeping speed in check. Steve lead again. Descent and short pedal out on Harriman trail was 24 mins. Dropped 1378′ in 3.97 miles.
Fall aspen colors from still green to golden, some still attached to dropped on the tread.
Ate a see food diet down at Steve’s before the debate. I watched and listened to 90 mins of bufoonery and bluster and personal attacks by donald, nothing of significance. Fact checkers will be worn out.
No rain in the forecast here, Bend is being smoked again. I need to drive to Twin to Walgreens for prescription refill as I be needing med and it is the closest. I still do not have a plan. Twin is about an hour drive south out of the valley. Do I keep going or return to valley? You will read my decision.
Off to bed.