Rest in retirement. On the 23rd I rode the last ride on the Turner RFX, a legacy of 1,135 rides covering 16,229 miles. The frame and left over parts will be kept is a safe spot and could be resurrected with a few bucks, bike is still solid. The Revel Rail that I wanted, not needed, has been built and ridden 2 times and rides like a new car. TJ at The Hub in Bend, the local Revel dealer, kept after discovered differences between the 2 bikes as in the rear rotor is upsized to 180 from RFX 160, and the Cura brake hose was not long enough for the new frame. Fortunately he had both rotor and rear brake in house to put on. It just cost money, throw enough and problems go away. Rear brake is now a Shimano XT.
So, bottom line: how much better is this bike than the former? It’s about a pound lighter, geometry is just a little bit slacker but felt almost the same and has boost rear I9 Hydra and their carbon rim. Revel riders Steve in Wood River valley and Jimmy in Prescot spoke of how well it climbs. I learned what they talked about: it is about the suspension eliminates lost effort from suspension bob, (anti squat). It just scoots forward with each pedal stroke. I am on learning curve of handling characteristics. Going downhill seemed the same for handling and confidence, I was not faster nor was I afraid of mishandling. I nailed the S Fork trail today for suspension experience: we just flew down. It is enough better to put the RFX to pasture.
Heat wave rolling in with 100 degrees for forecast. This morning Emmy, COTA executive director invited me to a coffee gathering. She asked questions about other places and organizations I have learned from. COTA now has 2000+ members, she was selected to be the first ED, a paid position. Afterwards I made a short visit to The Hub to compliment TJ on his bike build as everything worked. Then drove up to Skyliner Lodge to ride my Tumalo / S Fork loop. TH parking was plugged, where the occupants recreated were not on my ride as I encountered 1 rider and several hikers during my 14.2 mile ride. Climb up Tumalo Ridge catching short viewshed
Descent of S. Fork was a typical screamer with my joggle bell clanging. Bike stayed true to direction I pointed it. Speed down Tumalo creek was slowed to yield for a hiker. 14.2 miles climbing 1588′ pedaling for 1 hr 46 mins, about 6 mins faster than previous rides. The old haul road climb was about the same time as was the S Fork. Hammered heart rate, average for ride was at my threshold.
Back out at anchor spot, so far nobody has crashed my spot. Hot evening.
S.A.D., days are now shorter.
Thursday was a COTA crew leader training session up at Swampy that Woody invited me to attend. Session up here was on water management. COTA has several trail building machines, one of which Woody operated to move dirt faster than a gang of volunteers.
Dirt, as it is, was loose and dry sending up clouds of dust. Hot temp. Woody instructed and educated the group and we turned to to hand make drains to shed water off the trail. Afterwards we hung out at the TH socializing until well after dark. I stayed overnight. Lightning flashed in the distance over Bend. Micro climate as NE Bend received enough rain to flood streets but nary a drop fell on Phils.
Thurs was laundry day and build of bike. Drove down to town. Drove to The Hub in anticipation of right away bike completion so I could ride. Bike was finished just after 4. I paid my bill, pushed the bike to van, put it on the rack, then beat feet to Phils for first ride. Just up Ben’s, connect to Phils, then down to entire length of Kent’s. Back at van for an 8 PM dinner.
The Rail has a new, to me, Monarch rear shock and rear brake which I need to educate myself of their operations. I have not stopped long enough with internet signal to read about them. I need to fine tune bike set up. I set the sag at 30%.
Going to be above 100 for bunch of days with no precip per forecast. Maybe ride from anchorage early to beat heat.
The entire Coconino NF and the Prescott NF are closed to everyone because of fire danger.
Watched a video by an exercise knowledgeable woman explaining the hip hinge and demonstrated 2 exercises to strengthen the hips. I have been doing those exercises for several days and I have noticed an improvement in my pedaling strength. My butt is muscularly sore from exercise and working a stronger stroke which has improved my speed.
Enough. Dinner clean up ahead followed by a session on the roller.