Match clothing layers to the temperature for comfort and a pack with capacity to hold removed layer.
Wind died down during the night. Sunrise was way out on the horizon. Clear of clouds when light turned on. Temp was below freezing at wake up. Fix b-fast and linger for warmth of sun before riding. 10 AM start.
My clothing choices were light weight wool long underwear top under heavier wool jersey, wind shell, helmet cap, regular gloves, knee socks, knee warmers, and shell shorts. My hydration pack will swallow removed layers.
My route choice was mix of little travel to higher density riders. I sort of rode yesterday’s ride backwards but rode the east trails down to 7 Up connecting with Coney Island for a short piece to Middle Earth which is a cut over to middle of Navajo Rocks loop. Parking lot was about 3/4 full with a large number of CO plated rigs. Then Big Mesa connecting with Big Lonely to Chisholm to Lasso which put me back on dirt road.
Started with 1 mile road ride to Lasso which cut overs to Chisholm, I would repeat this part going home. This piece of Chisholm needed slab rock work to create trail. Still small amounts of snow in deep shade as was frozen dirt.
I rode a loop that started downhill on the Horse Thief system seeing 2 riders and finished on almost continuous climb and way more riders. 7Up connects with Coney Island where the climb starts. Middle Earth is a traverse. Big Mesa
Out on sun warmed Big Mesa I stopped to remove my long underwear top and stuffed it into my pack. Great warmth in full sunshine and no wind. Day light look at my upper body: suntan faded away.
I am working on enlarging my comfort zone regarding friction traction. My tires have side lugs on them as well as lugs down the center. Rolling the bike on slanted slick rock contacts just the side lugs which provide not as much friction as when tire is flat on rock. Side knobs grip. Coupled with the Hydra hub for power makes for less sketchy risk while increasing the difficulty of the line.
Big Mesa had the crowd. I seemed to be riding against the grain as riders approached me. I was never over taken. Chisholm starts at junction of Big Lonely at the high point for the Navajo Rocks loop and climbs. One rider crowd. Chisholm is enjoyable to ride as an out and back as the climbs are never lung busters.
22.7 miles climbing 1650′ pedaling for 3 hrs 2 mins.
Arrived back at van. Looked up to see a rider approaching me. He stopped to visit. Gray full beard riding a serious mountain bike. He told me he travels the same places I do but we never connected. He’s been at it for 4 years. He’s camped near me. I cut the conversation off to get into my solar warmed van and fix recovery food as I burned 1351 calories. I cleaned the kitchen then heated water for a wash cloth wipe off. I changed into street clothes and hiking shoes. I wanted to go for a walk in the beautiful fall day. I walked down the road heading to where the guy told me where he was. Found his spot. He’s living in a pop top camper. Four years living out of it is spartan as there is way less room than my van. His truck enabled him to get back there which sets him apart from me. I decided that livable space was more important than having a rig to get way back.
I like Moab trails.
I feel tired. 9 PM 5747′ 37 degrees.
Forecast this week calls for warming temps, maybe short sleeves.