On Nov 29 at Moab company arrived in the group of four Freehub film makers etc who would spend the next 7 days filming me for a film which will show some of my story. There were many van shots and just 2 days of riding where the riding shots were just short pieces. I neglected to record what was shot each day. I signed up for this intense week long filming. They chose the locations and directed what they wanted from me. On Tuesday we drove way up to LPS to arrive just after sunrise for desired light. Cold. I rode with my heavy puff jacket. Cold.
I rode and rerode short sections for their filming. I would ride, be told to stop;, they would view what was captures, change lenses and settings, then tell me to ride it again. Spent the cold morning there. That afternoon we moved on to lower end of Porcupine Rim trail, My bike was humped up trail to setting which had light they wanted. I rode and rerode short sections. Pics were from sticks (tripod) and drone. Riley is the still photographer who had his own poses. I did get to ride down what we climbed.
There were 3 days of shooting the van and me either from inside or following their truck.
I was to be right up close to Spence perched on edge of tailgate, I freaked as I feared he might fall out and I would hit him. Nah, this was not their first rodeo.
Wed we left Moab heading to Monticello to film me doing my laundry, a day earlier than customary Thurs. Numerous repeat shootings of me walking into the laundromat but not shots of my dirty laundry. Spent the night in their motel parking lot. Cold, morning temps in low teens but inside was toasty upper 40s.
Thurs drove to Hurricane arriving well after dark. Friday was meeting Quinton at his Over the edge shop in town. Sat was riding a piece of Hurricane rim trail till dark. Sunday was a late afternoon 2 hour filmed answering questions on camera about this life. Sunday was another driving scene. Spence said he has about 6 hours of film that will be organized and distilled down to a less than 10 min film. And the conclusion at bend around Memorial Day. Film release is July.
Sunday’s session ended early enough for a ride from the upper JEM TH which has been developed into a full fledged TH complete with vault toilet and a no camping sign. For years I stayed at this spot but perhaps no more. I was now free to ride as I wanted to, no more turn around and reset and ride same piece again. The tether had been removed. Freedom.
These guys had lots of filming paraphernalia which required long set up times. The interview used lights that required a generator for power. They were focused on their tasks while I was along to perform which left my brain free to tell stories that were blocked because of their focus.
Now the telling of my story will be shaped by their editing. I asked for clips of me riding in advance of the film release. I have never seen myself ride. Spence said one piece showed me going pretty fast.
So, now I am back on my own.
Friday I scored a DR appointment. My feet have started tingling which is of concern. Blood was drawn, awaiting results. Also scored a script for PT, I asked for left knee and both shoulders. made PT appointment for tomorrow.
Hurricane is also baked dry. Trails are hard packed. Today daytime temp hit 60. No rain in immediate forecast which will keep trails dry for perhaps my entire visit. I will leave after christmas for Sedona to finish out the year.
Last week the furnace would not start. I burned the cat heater that night which does not use battery power but produces water vapor. The next day I drove the bumpy Sheep Bridge road that did something to the furnace allowing it to running again. On Fri I called an RV repair shop for fixing on first thing Mon Morn. I called on Sat leaving voice mail cancelling appointment. So far furnace runs properly.
Available BLM established campsites on Sheep Bridge road appeared to be filled. BLM closed off all the sites that were just off the road and opened sites off the road which are very rutted. Seems more damage was done by opening new sites and closing less driving.
The Hurricane rim trails are on BLM land and on Trailforks are labeled “no Ebike”. BLM official policy regarding Ebikes is local manager approves use and is written. Last year I visited the local BLM office to read that doc which did not exist. In essence, BLM says they are illegal on heart propelled trails but they are not enforcing banning. I don’t support opening up previously defined heart propelled trails to mechanical assistance.
The 4 guys wore masks when around me and while inside my van but I did not. Went out to eat diner 1 night for first inside dining since Oakridge this summer.