Forecast is becoming reality as it is calling for possible snow Sunday, fall temps arriving. This AM I started in shorts and sandals, then stepped outside at Steve’s. It’s OK to fully cover my legs. Now in long pants but still short sleeve shirt but under wool shirt. Resisting acceptance of cold I am still wearing my Bedrock sandals. Today forecast called for gusts to 28 mph and possible showers. I am sitting in Hailey and that part of forecast has not arrived. I could still ride and prepare for forecast.
Yesterday Steve met me at the Greenhorn intersection for a ride known as Driveway Gulch. Earlier he received his shingles shot and was feeling affected. He gave me the description for this ride. I made digital mapping app of backcountrynavigator accept track my route. Trailforks gave some info but when out of gps signal it just shows trails as lines but no background which is lacking. I will be going back to a place I have no knowledge of. No local for guiding. I followed driving directions up the east fork. I pulled into a large turnout maybe on private unsigned property. I geared up in light summer clothing to match the heat. I pedaled up the road to enter FS land and passed suitable parking spots and occupied campsites. I could have driven further lessening pedaling. I wasn’t going back.
At the turn up Cove creek 2 sheriff’s deputies on atvs. 1 stopped to visit, me more than him. They were out checking on campers. I learned that today is opening day for rifle deer which explains the crowds. He said that they respond to misbehavior, he said they make a call whether to cite or talk. I started up the climb on a gated double track, climbing and climbing. I stopped for a navigation check when a rider pedaled past. I asked if he was riding Driveway, he said yes. Good to know. I could not keep up with him. It took me almost an hour to arrive at single track that I assumed would be start of big downhill.
This piece was short lived when it connected to a steeply descending atv trail.
Shit, I was expecting single track. Steep drop down to Indian creek. Encouraging to see mtn bike tracks validating I was following the route. descent stopped arriving at beat up jeep road that climbed up said creek, relentlessly, not steeply but a grunt at above 6,000′. Aspen golden.
Followed road to saddle where I stopped for a navigation break, per the map single track was just ahead but first a very steep fall line atv track hike a bike awaited. Hmm…. no bike tracks. I looked around. There were 2 double tracks leading the other way with an old like fence line separating them. I walked down the left one seeing no tracks. I continued to what appeared to be the dead end. I saw a single track heading off the left side in the direction I needed to go. There were mtn bike tracks. I broadened my search discovering that bikes took the right track. Concern was trail was not per the map nor was it signed. I dropped in on a well worn trail. Please be the correct trail as I dreaded a pedal back out. Single track continued to drop then turned into a slightly used dirt tread till connecting with road back to van. I made it. 11.4 miles needing 1 hr 49 mins, gaining 1998′. Repeating again the rides here are energy demanding effort. Some is elevation, others most everything here is either up or down, little spinning.
Back at the van a big camper trailer was parked complete with newer truck and atv in the bed. I heard and saw a likely ranch truck pull in and park. Guy went over to trailer guy, short story, the visitor was ranch manager and we were on his property. I told the camper he had to leave. We chatted, he said I was fine. He has had his fill with rifle hunters leaving trash etc that he won’t let them stay. I noticed the trailer guy wore a holstered small auto on his hip and the mgr seemed to have similar but hidden by his untucked tshirt. Camper guy was prolly going to hunt, why carry a defensive weapon out here? Afraid of people.
Drove back to Steve’s. Bellevue is located at maybe the mouth of the valley exposing it to lots of wind and velocity. Windy rocking drive down. we sat outside visiting till bedtime.
Thurs was laundry day. ID requires posted sign at doorway requiring face covering. Last wash day those signs were there, today none. I called city hall and reported them. To date signs are not back up.
Thurs was followup appointment with naturopath via zoom. She listened to my progress and complimented me on my progress. I have not eaten sugar, baked treats, gluten, or drunk a beer. I suppose I am feeling better. Certainly eating just good stuff and I still have no body fat. I am to continue this diet for another 3 months and reorder as necessary the herbs. Care is expensive and out of my pocket. Steve and I planned the Driveway gulch ride after the appointment. I needed internet for the call. I parked at east fork road in time to connect to her web site. At the appointed time she was not online. Shit: Oregon is 1 hour behind, I was an hour early. I screwed the pooch for our ride.
So, ever increasing number of houseflies are occupying my van. Bothersome.
Smoke comes and goes here in the valley. Today air is high yellow. Hazy skies.
Put new Formula brake rotor on rear wheel. I backed the 6 bolts out of the hub shell and discovered 2 of the threaded holes were partially broken out. Not good. I crossed my fingers and installed the new rotor and bolts, the 2 damaged holes head tension. I torqued the bolts, all held. New pads and rotor require bedding in which is just a bunch of controlled stops which smears pad material on rotor. Beaded in quickly producing no squeal. Good to go. I maybe getting close to buying a new wheel from I9 with the new Hydra hub which is much improved over the Torch now on. Carbon rims 35.1mm internal width. I researched Maxxis tire site for tire compatibility learning that my 41mm rims are too wide.
Hailey’s covid count is increasing which is causing discussion on further restrictions. So far it deals with group sizes, not a lock down. I wear my mask when ever required.
Gonna try a ride.
