Wed Am I drove away from the outlet mall parking lot in Village of Oak Creek (VOC) for the last time this visit. I spent 113 nights, 63 rides covering 737 miles in state. I am now hunkered down while being beaten by 42 mph gusts outside Aztec, NM at the Alien Run TH.
The SW was and is being buffeted by strong wind events. Since last week I had been eyeing leaving on Wed. I monitored NOAA forecast that wanted high winds until tomorrow when I will be around Delores, CO. I didn’t have to leave, I just wanted to be moving on. I left Wed morn picking up I40 heading east to Fort Wingate exit east of Gallup, NM. Very windy from the maybe rear right quarter, van requires constant attention to correct from wind gusts, I did use just the lane I paid for. From the exit I climbed 2 lane paved state highway sharing the road with large semi dirt hauling rigs to the Quaking Aspen TH. No camping in the TH, however just across the nearby cattle guard was open FS primitive camping. I chose a spot under Ppine shade. Open Ppine and juniper forest at 7500′.
Wed afternoon was long enough for a ride from van. Over the years I have ridden several times here. Today was memory recall. Fun downhill on Quaking Aspen trail.
Descent was down Quaking Aspen:
Altitude affected ride, loop climbed 630′ over 8.25 miles. Finished back at van for the night.
Thurs is wash day and I need to plan for clean clothes. This morn I woke up when I wanted to, no alarm clock wake up required. Today is a big ride ahead, then driving to Aztec, NM to do laundry and a sleep spot.
I rode from the van crossing the highway to ride Purple Haze as it wiggle and waggled in juniper forest finally dropping down to the same highway at a trailhead parking lot. Fun started on Milk Ranch climb back up. Places tread had been relocated to solve sustainability issues. There remains a nasty climb your bike piece out of a wash. Open forest regrowing from clear cut back during WWll to make ammunition boxes for armory down at Fort Wingate. Logs were transported to several portable sawmills sites in the area. Oak tree understory has not leafed out.
Climbed along on Quasimodo, traversed on Blazing Handlebar then descended Stuck Truck to van. 14.7 miles climbing 1398′, pedaling for 2 hrs 10 mins all in 7,xxx’ elevation which seems to keep my heart rate down because my breathing can’t support.
No cell or internet at Quaking Aspen TH. Day long enough to complete drive to Aztec, do my wash, and be in a camp spot before dark. Oh, I lost an hour entering New Mexico. Another wind event this time mostly on my left rear quarter as highway ran north. Several places when cars passed me they stirred up wind blown dust that became airborne again. Drove thru Farmington sprawl. I found the laundromat google search located. AH, laundry still to schedule, taunt bottom sheet awaited my tired body. Restaurant dinner in Aztec then drive out to Alien Run TH for the night and possible ride tomorrow. I parked outside the established TH which is not posted no camping.
Today, another I get out of bed when I want to. And another high wind event with blowing dust in the afternoon. I headed out on Alien Run down wind. I figured I could ride as far downwind as the furtherest trail spot or if wind became an issue I could shorten my ride on a connector to the return trail. Seems the trail system is directional which eliminates conflict.
Trail is tight turning little sight line, necessary for one direction traffic. Wind. Aztec airport recorded 42 mph gust during my ride. I continued out on Outer Limits which overall climbed to high point. Tread was mixes of loose round rock for both up and down. Juniper trees, prolly 2 seed as not in Utah for their namesake juniper.
Caused by this rock:
Trail system is directional with climb out to far point then mostly elevation dropping returning, this time into the wind. Elevation ran from low of 6025′ up to 6698′. My ride was 16.5 miles climbing overall of 1084′ pedaling for 2 hrs 30 mins. I was worn down.
Spending night at same spot weighted against broadside wind. Tomorrow north to Cortez, CO with Phil’s world and Delores Boggy Draw.
Reaching back into the recent past, one last Sedona ride on Monday that Ian joined me on out at Cultural Park for a mix of system and social trails.
Pretty flower, isolated one time ever seen:
Sister Lynn and her family flew in from Ohio for their vacation started Monday. I met them at their rental in W Sedona driveway which was too sloped to adequately level my van. Four falls ago she vaca’d with me in the Marquette, WI area, her kids maybe 6 years earlier. I am the older brother, family roots. The rear of the van was lower than where my feet would be while in bed. At sleep time I gave a go of lower head position which lasted for about 2 hours when the spicy mexican dinner irritated my esophagus. Plan B was to roll out my 3/8′ thick ensolite pad on the floor then position my head towards the front of the van. I fell back to sleep but awakened later from the hardness of the floor on my ride beatened body. Plan C was back in bed putting my feet at the head. This configuration finished out my sleep. Tuesday she led us on a vortex hike out near Mescal.
So, anyway, time well spent catching up on what I chose to write about. Two days ago I did not speak a word.