On Monday I drove away from Boggy Draw bound for N Klondike north of Moab to meet Steve. Windy drive and windy out t N Klondike, the BLM road is full length washboard, out and back once and that’s enough rattling. Camping is now only allowed in the 20 something developed sites. Steve scored a spot in almost empty campground. We rode in the afternoon heading down wind on trails west of center road with the wind at our backs, better choice as these trails are exposed. Our return was on Dino Flow which is more protected and slower so as not to be as beaten by the wind. Winds are in 20 to 30 mph speed. Airport recorded 45 mph gusts.
I started writing before gearing up to go ride. Attention was not held.
So, random.
Today I rode away from camp spot
on BLM dirt road. Wind blown sand covered firm underneath except pieces where hard rock was exposed which was sought after tread on road ride. Turned onto Lasso leaving the road for a loose sand tread. Swinging bends thru the shrubs to junction with Chisholm all way to end at Horsethief trails. Down Mustang to Get Away, cross the road descend Bull Canyon to Arths corner picking up Get Away at its far end then returned same trails. Temperatures increasing with almost calm winds. 22.2 miles climbing 1690′, pedaling for 3 hrs 4 mins. Today I enjoyed the bike handling and prolly more important was not working, I coast as much as I can and pump for forward progress. Letting gravity pull me along puts a smile on my face. Turn it upside down when the trail climbs against gravity. Over the years I have ridden this same route, last was last Nov on Rail, today I was slower by 8 mins. I checked my ride log for the RFX data which was identical to the new Rail. Very warm today under full on sun as no shade blocks the heat. Computer won’t give me today’s pics.
Yesterday I completed the 200th ride on the Revel rail covering 2763 miles in 321 days. Today was 201th.
backing up.
Thurs was laundry day in Moab. Discovered another location for first rate laundromat, same company owns 2 locations. Bought groceries and took on water from gearheads. Plan is to drive up to Horsethief for several days or riding. I scored my favorite spot unfortunately shared by a burned out truck per above. I rode Rodeo which is directional that eliminates widening of the tread because of no approaching rider and no worry of that encounter.
Wed AM before I raised my head off my pillow Steve left for home to use his vet skills to attend to his wife’s injured horse. Another windy day out at N Klondike. I needed water and groceries so I drove out on washboard road rattling my eye teeth. I passed Willow Springs road noticing so many rigs parked where I like to stay. Crowd. My plan was to stop and ride Bar M trails then drive down to town. Going to spend night out Sand Flats camping which will position me for next day laundry. Again, more wind.
Up at campground I was fully exposed to wind that rocked me inside my van.
Time has caught up.
I visited an optometrist in Moab to adjust my glasses. She put the tight adjustment on the frame. The glasses contact my head 4 places and all 5 places hurt.
The van’s transmission torque convertor is starting to seriously bark. I spoke with shop in Bend, his advice was to change the transmission fluid then drive it until transmission fails. I made an appointment with a shop in Junction for this Thurs to change fluids. Moab is heating up. I plan on leaving here on Sunday for Fruita