Forecast this morning wanted a high of 42 degrees. That’s chilly. But that was for the day’s high. There was the fact that at 8 AM it was 30 degrees. Come on sun warmth. No clouds or wind. Just a few more degrees. OK just before 11 the temp rose to 36, I believe I can dress for this chill.
Today I planned on short ride of Church Rocks out alongside l-15. I drove out to the TH where I start. There are 2 underpasses, 1 each lane, under the interstate. I turned off the hard road and saw ahead of me an official sign reading Road Closed. I looked ahead and saw a barricade blocking 1st under pass. Didn’t look like I could walk around it. OK, I can drive to next TH up at Leeds. Just before I arrived at parking spot I noticed charred vegetation remains caused by a range fire during my absence. I parked on burned out land. I checked the van thermometer = 36 degrees. I can do this. Serious chill. 2 wool tops and insulated tights. Plus helmet hat. I was parked in the sunshine. Hmmm, chilly but sunny and no wind. If I can just pedal thru the early chills I should be sufficiently warmed. Maybe just heavier socks for feet warmth.
And it came to be. I climbed a short access trail to join Prospector then turned south pedaling on single track thru the burn. Surreal in that every formerly piece of green was gone, leaving a small charred area where the plant stood.
And then I pedaled out of the burn into just desert living.
The fire stopped at the trail right at the nasty loose down or up pitch.
Several short sections of deep sand. Great today as there are no horse hooves churned up tread. Made side trail up, around, and down the Church Rocks feature.
Finished the loop around the Rocks then rejoined Prospector for return.
14.5 miles gaining 1181′ pedaling for 1 hr 48 mins., 56 mins were above threshold. Putting my back into my rides pushing myself.
42 degrees back at the van. I relearned the clothing to wear for comfort at this temp. Booties not required.
Dinner time.