Yet the state’s notable attribute crossed state lines. Wind, most number of days and places I have yet to experience on this odyssey. Wind velocity is a variable to consider for decision to ride or hunker down. Yesterday I drove from Aztec, NM to Delores, CO stopping in Cortez, now out at Boggy Draw trailhead area. Camping spots are just beyond trailhead. Most number of campers I have yet to see here, it was a Saturday and possibly the first weekend the road was open. Most everyone was on the right side of the road overlooking a dearth of rain shrunk bigger than a pond body of water. Plugged was apt, however, Sunday evening thinned the ranks. This is a better spot.
Windy drive, windy here. Forecast for today was for another high wind event which occurred. Gusts to 39 with 20+ mph constant. Mix in blowing dust, add in needing a rest day after 4 straight ride days for taking today off. I stayed in bed till almost 7. I fixed scratch pancakes and drank freshly cold brewed coffee. Scoring the beans was happenstance from local bike shop coffee bar. I support local roasters, google search returned no local roasters. tried health food store which had roasted and ground coffee from Durango. Pass as the grind would be to fine. Plan B would be Morning Thunder tea. Visited the bike shop just because. I spied a display of roasted beans from Durango, and the bar had a grinder for coarse grind. Score.
I drove out to north end of Phils trails to ride. Last spring I rode same trails, I was curious to learn effects of winter and precip. Perhaps 4 rigs were parked in contrast to multitude at traditional trailhead. Trails play with a feeder draw off Simon Draw. What started downhill climbed back out, went around a bit then dropped in again then hump my bike up. Internet speed too slow for pics. Short intense ride of 7.26 miles climbing 810′ Forest is juniper. Tread held up well.
Visited with a couple from Minnesota, trail builders, Bent creek area. I shared concept of pavers and pitches that went over their heads as they do not have elevation to build on.
I drove over to Delores where above town is the Boggy Draw trail system. Same bike shop in Cortez has a store in Delores. I stopped in to learn about trails. I spied Squirt Lube and bonus of I9 valve stems. The valve stem on my front wheel is almost blocked from cured sealant. I asked the guy to break the bead and I would finish. He did the whole deal. Store is repurposed newspaper operation originally a like general merchandise store.
Walked across the highway to the incredible little grocery store. Turned a corner and ran face to face with Gary from Bend. We met back in ’09 Fruita festival and have run into him in Bend and other places.
Guy at shop told of a single track descent from Boggy Draw TH to town to ride instead of pavement. I hiked out today following a social ridden in skinny single track heading in correct direction. Trail entered private property where the trail was machine built. I hiked it far enough to believe that it will connect to the trailforks mapped trail down to town. This downhill is a part of a bike loop that will go along an edge of reservoir then climb out back to TH. I plan on riding this loop tomorrow as weather forecast doesn’t want strong winds. Today wind would have been a problem as trail along reservoir is exposed.
Done. Dinner fixing time: steamed wild salmon, quinoa, and broccoli. Dessert will be a third of a Haagen Daaz pint ice cream, not Rocky Road. Veggie first.