Weather, it is what it is, whether it is liked or not, it is what it is. Nasty early snow storm and deep temps started last Sunday then more seasonal weather returned thru the week. Temps moved into 60s under sunshine and clam winds, temps at night above freezing, snow melted out lingering in the shade till it melted away.
Friday, yesterday, was a ride from Loma TH to learn of trail conditions. I was prepare to turn around if my tires were leaving ruts. A short drive from sleep spot straight shot from here to there right off l-70. Other rigs in the lot indicated others were giving it a go. Still a bit chilly so I wore my new knickers. Sunshine. Start of ride is a dirt road climb then a decent down to single track start. I pedal it while several rigs carried speedy riders up then down to same spot. People going out for exercise park as close to the start of dirt to lessen the exercise. Their choice. I started on Mary’s to first cut over to newer trail, Wrangler, which climbs on exposed bluff side. With no tree coverage all hillside trails have some degree of exposure. To fall outslope would mean a bit of a tumble.
Wrangler is a mix of hand built trail with connectors to jeep road closed to motorized. Well desgined and constructed trail. It connects back to Mary’s and my return trail.
I rode Mary’s till a connector back to Wrangler which kept me off the popular Mary’s.
On Mary’s this tech feature is a beyond me challenge until a structured go around was built which legitimated a sketchy rider made. By “legitimating” the go around the land was protected.
Starting from the right moving left is like the 3 bears with Baby on the right which I can ride to Papa a wide skinny. Well executed in that the original problem remains for those who can to the easiest for those who can’t or won’t.
Let me say this about how enjoyable it was to share the trails with every rider who exchanged some kind of greeting. Every rider and trail runner except 1 had an acknowledgement. Way nice way to share. Plenty of sharing.
Wrangler ended at road which climbed in 2nd easiest gear then crested for a short screamer down to TH. Pedaling stutter bumps at slow speed ain’t no fun.
12.6 miles climbing 1224′ pedaling for 1 hr 42 mins. Just pedal.
Nice day. I hung at the van enjoying sunshine and being outdoors not in a city. two separate riders stopped by to visit and share their stories. A guy wearing street clothes walked up wearing a smile. Hmm, I identified him immediately as Dave from Green Bay whom I met years ago. He and his wife moved to Fruita last year. We sat in the sun shine and visited for a long time. Connection.
My damaged right shoulder is starting to bark from wrestling on tech moves. It hurts. Resting would be helpful. Enough said. Sunshine, good dirt, great bike, what can go wrong?
Before Friday the trails were snow covered over freeze than mud and cold and windy. No riding. I drove into town for groceries etc and visiting. I visited OTE.
Wed afternoon my phone rang, it was Charlie from Eagle whom I met years ago out at Lunch Loops in Junction. He was driving from home to Junction for a repair to his truck camper. We chatted for lots of minutes. Thurs was laundry day and no riding for both of us. He rendezvoused at the laundromat where we visited for hours sitting in the sunshine. I finally split to take care of needed tasks before driving out to sleep spot. The naturopath suggested adding greens to my limited diet and I knew where to get greens at Hot Tomato which is take out only. Ordered up the Sedona salad then drove back out. daytime temps have since thawed out my frozen leveling blocks. So far this spot has been unoccupied as the other spots on the road but the Highline SP XG nearby is full.
Thing about being in the desert is wide open views. Night and day so to speak contrast with forests, esp compared to Oakridge, OR. Water and good dirt.
Wait Wait on internet.
Election on this Tues. May more voters chose Biden and rid America of this scourge.