Same ‘ol, same ‘ol: clear and cold at night and breaking 40 during heat of day. I have sufficient layers of riding clothes and freedom to wear what is needed to keep me warm. I see riders I’m saying not so fortunate as they ride in shorts and t-shirt. Mostly younger, ( which is the population). I do experience being over dressed but not able to thin the layer. I have 2 wool long underwear tops, each of a different weight, one of which I wear under a jersey. I chose the heavier top to stay warm at the start which allows my fingers flexibility to pull the brake levers versus teeth chattering cold and clenched fingers. Yeah, yeah, just saying an observation, some of you readers might be clamoring to be able to ride and think I am whining. OK, you might be crushing the couch cushions in a warm building while I am getting wind burned in the desert. Well, that’s how I played my cards as you are playing yours now. It’s about choices.
20 degrees outside before sunrise and like 48 inside. becoming acclimated to cold.
The Freehub folks arrive Sunday morn meeting me at N Klondike. On Sat I took care of needs in town then drove out to same spot. More campers were out there than last weekend. My preferred spots were occupied. I cross country traveled over the desert and climbed a mound above the valley. I mix in hiking on non riding rest days. Just nice to be dressed warmly and be under the sun outdoors.
Sunday Freehub folks arrived after my bfast. Their game plan for filming was fleshed out, they went their way leaving me to ride a year’s last ride on N Klondike trails. Per the completed ride data from Garmin I really beat myself during my 10.6 miles climbing 935’ pedaling for 1 hr 33 mins, 31 of those minutes were above my 85% exertion level, recovery adviser advised 33 hours of recovery before next effort. That’s right, 33 hours. facts are facts. Climbed up Baby Steps
Up Baby Steps connecting to Mega Steps for ups and downs joining Alaska to connect to Mega Steps down low finishing on Dino back to end. The trails are on slick rock like pic, climbing is slower speed which aids in following trail makers problem solutions. However, the same conditions exist for downhill except riding way faster affects following the trail. Go faster than able to follow a turn. Speed shortens the sight line for decision making involving a roll down , is it a roll or a huck? Always stimulating. Most of the riding here is body jarring, full body work out, riding every day beats me, riding here is primo. Riding at Bend is almost all smooth trails that are sit and spin trails that can be ridden everyday. I think if I lived here I would beat myself silly. I am definately riding faster going downhill.
So Freehub mag folks are here to make a film featuring me. There is Brandon, the publisher, Spence the movie filmer, Riley a still picture taker, and Cole, a grip. Last evening they filmed sunset pics down in the Colorado River canyon. Cold work but not as cold as this morning’s early morning filming. Teeth chattering chilly. They create the scene and coach me on my role. So far we are synching our actions. Tomorrow is riding up on Porcupine Rim. Wed we head to Hurricane where highs are low 50s but above freezing at night. Speaking of the mag it is a real first class publication and beautifully done. Choice.
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