Wow. Product review. New carbon rims were very much enjoyed during descent of South Fork today. The rear rim is IBIS laced to an I 9 Hydra hub with their straight pull aluminum spokes. The front rim is I9’s design made by Weareone carbon people laced to a new I9 hub, straight pull spokes. I have noticed that these rims are damper on the hits more so than previous 5 year old IBIS rims. South Fork is a blue screamer having roots and small drops with short sight line crank turns. It is my most favorite trail here at Bend.
Last weekend I ran into Gary, a local, who said South Fork is almost ready to go as in snow melt out. I checked local Bend trails web site checking on trail condition. It had been marked snow. This morning I checked and saw conditions had been updated 2 days ago to riding good. I made that my ride choice this morning. I envisioned hero dirt the entire descent because of melt out. Very wishful thinking not based in physical facts as the entire trail was not just melted out as I discovered during my descent. Seems trail is already dry and dusty from many previous riders. No hero dirt which will come right after the next rain. Anyway, just a screamer. The entirety of the bike just sucked up the obstacles keeping me bobbleheading above the bottom bracket. Part way down a caution sign was lashed to a tree stating trail work ahead. I honored the intent bringing my speed down to walking. I came upon 4 COTA members fixing several rutted turns. Great work. I wanted to be there helping except I was involved in the forenoon and to be involved b4 quitting time. Next time. Perhaps riding up the trail with tools a distance and dirt work might be over my body’s capacity. Flew down empty Tumalo creek trail hitting record speed of 27.86 mph which is about .4 mph faster.
Afternoon engagement was with my healthcare provider concerning swelling of my left leg and healing of wound on same leg. Solution is wearing compression sock to compensate for the failing venous valves. I weigh 145 pounds.
Tuesday late afternoon I connected with the 3 Freehub people creating a story about my life. Brandon, publisher, Spencer, videographer, and Riley the still pic taker. We did a short ride from Phils up to closed area because of active logging. Younger guys just fly faster than me. Dinner at 10 Barrel before we rode then returned for night time drinking. Plan for next day was real early shooting up past Bachelor. I drove out to spot off rd 41 for the night. The same 2 others were already there, the Suburban took my spot.
Wed was filming me driving then late afternoon a shoot riding down Kents. Spence and Riley picked the spots and told me what they wanted to see in my riding. Ride down, ride back up for reset, ride, reset, move to next spot. Late afternoon with flat light. They said they got great pics. Back to 10 Barrel for an even later night.
Thurs was mid morning filming at westside 10 Barrel. Morning drinking. Afternoon clothes cleaning session. Followed by an evening shoot back at 10 Barrel. They had me drive from a spot right outside the main door where I drove up, parked the van then walked out and close the door. Several resets for each section. While waiting for a drive session a guy walked up making eye contact and called me by name. It was Bob L. We met back in maybe ’85 at a bike shop where he worked, he was young back then. What a blast. We ran into each other 2 years ago on a Bend trail, he called me by name after 30 + years separated. This time it was me in the van. We chatted while Freehub guys were somewhat spell bound by my ease of conversation and connection. We ate dinner from food trucks at the Lot, they went to film elsewhere and I returned to saved spot at Phils.
Saved spot: I set up my table and chair at this spot to signify it was occupied thus holding it for me. Lots of other campers out around Phils so have a saved spot is comforting to know that I have an anchor spot reserved.
This morning was more interviewing at my anchor spot. Brandon asked questions and I answered. He did not share before asking me. Off the cuff answers.
Once finished I turned down a lunch invite so I could ride S fork. I parked at Skyliner lodge as the TH was packed. I rode the same route as previously climbing up Tumalo ridge. I rode hard. At the haul road start I stopped for a 7 hit safety break then put the hard effort to attempt a personal best from there to the start of SST. 1.81 miles climbed 381 took 17 mins, not a best by less than a minute, I was disappointed I was not faster. My average bpm was 136, well above 127 zone. For the effort I was putting down I figured I would have been faster.
Bike frame arrival date has slid a week, figuring week after this Wed. I look forward to riding same stuff on the new bike. I just wonder how much better it will be than present Turner RFX.
On weekends loggers allow people on trails inside the logging zones. Ride up high tomorrow. Temp is forecast to drop back to upper 60s but windy.
Freehub questions started me thinking during my ride. I created plans etc while pedaling but time elapsed from thinking to writing them down.
The Wayward Odyssey Association I belong to awards like company service recognition every fifth year. I have the 5 and 10 year awards. Presently I am just short of 13 years. I decided I wanted the 15 year award which means I will continue this odyssey for another 2 years. I have not thought about a 20 year award. I will be working on a plan to have my house built in 2023