Summer’s almost gone, yes winter is coming on. But I am not running away from anything other than weather change which here in Wood River Valley calls for dropping temps and possible snow. I checked various weather forecasts to plan a driving route, darn, cold, really cold, and possible precip along the way to Fruita. Looks like non stop break away driving interstates to stay out of snow. Weather, it’s so much more than enjoyable.
My ballot arrived yesterday here, I opened it, marked my choices, signed it, then dropped off in the inside PO mail slot. Whew, I just wanted to vote.
Did my wash today here in Hailey. Hailey requires wearing masks and businesses that are open are to post signs requiring masks, the laundromat took the signs down over a week ago and have not been put back up. Attendants do not wear a mask. Just don’t know.
I washed my Wingnut pack finally in anticipation of it being dry before next ride. It’s drying inside my van but might be still wet for mid afternoon ride with Steve. I will be wearing wet gear like Steve wore wet shoes after out Warm Springs ride on Sunday but he forgot to dry his shoes.
I weigh 140 pounds with clothes on, I didn’t weigh this little back in the 90s when I was racing. No body fat. Pants are too big.
Tomorrow I drive out of the valley to Jerome RV dealer to buy and they install new fridge. I ordered the fridge on Mon, Tues the parts guy called me saying fridge is in store. It’s just money.
Life keeps going.
I prepare all my eats in my van. My gut issue healing process requires a SIBO diet which is very restrictive in choices. Dinner meals are adlibbed form a few items, I am eating for calories first and variety way down the preferences. Meals are like one burner gourmet backpacking fixings.
Steve texted me an invite to ride Hidden Valley from Bullion gulch. I’m in. 40 degrees and windy but hey, what’s a little chill? If you go I will. Our vans were parked at the TH with doors closed keeping heat in. I would need warmer clothing that was buried beneath warner temp clothes. I started with a mid weight wool jersey under my wind shell. I stepped out side, naw, need another layer, added mid weight capileene underneath. Wore leg tights and a cold temp hat. We opened our side doors looking at each other. Never was our to be effort called off. Swung my leg over the top tube, found the pedals, and put muscle effort to generate body heat climbing up the dirt road. My nose was cold. Big open fully exposed to no shelter wind. Sunshine provided mostly light or at best did not lower the temp. Steve likes to ride this as an out and back as the return is more varied and fun than completing the loop as it has a monstrous straight line climb out after a bunch of flow trail type features.
Our way had many ups and downs and trail type turns. I put serious effort on the way out.
I thought that this ride here would be a good finale of riding here. 7.74 miles climbing 866′ pedaling for 1 hour. We were warm by final coast back to vans. I left the heat on in mine for toasty wardrobe change.
Back down in Steve’s driveway. It was 23 degrees this morning. 19 forecast for tonight. Filled propane tank yesterday as always to stay ahead of flame out. wearing long pants and socks and flannel shirt topped with wool shirt. Not yet ready for heavier wool sweater. Patagonia puffy has a windshell which blocks wind chill needed.
Tomorrow I will be leaving tall trees and water for deserts. Warmer temps as I work my way south.