Been hither and yon. Short term memory moved some experiences to long term storage, others went to the “huh I don’t remember bucket”
Last post was on 9/11. Selecting experiences and thoughts to record.
First is perhaps the issue of trust and credibility. Van issue. I was in Hood River, a newbie to the auto repair community. I picked a promising transmission repair shop as I thought the shut off was related to new transmission as perhaps a similar problem happen during install. Called the shop, guy said yes they worked on Sprinters and had in depth computer scanner to down load error codes and said stop by which I did. Spanish speaking owner translated by mechanic who had to dig around in the attic for the scanner which he plugged into data port. Result was code related to fuel. They did not record the fault code before erasing error. Problem did not come from transmission, I needed a more inclusive repair shop. I picked the next shop, woman said yes they have plenty of Sprinter knowledge and I could stop by for a consult which I did. I waited my turn while a short rain shower pounded on the roof. Rain. Shop owner performed diagnosis without error code knowledge to guide his problem understanding. He could find nothing not performing and would not charge me for his time. Meanwhile the front office was telling me things that should be serviced as maintenance such as injectors and glow plugs. Trust: I have confidence in Import Performance in Bend that I needed to bounce off her items as Import knows the van. Local shop told me to drive it for my visit to see if problem reoccurred then he would have error codes to work with. OK, drive he said. I drove back uphill to rd 44 trails for the night and a ride the next day. Van pulled the climb etc with no complaint. Whew as I was out of cell coverage and fear of being left sit.
In the mean time I made ride date with local Lee for the next day of rd 44 trails. I waited and waited for his arrival. No show and now electronic message. I took off after waiting 15 mins to ride the 8 mile loop. Climbing up Super Connector the phone picked up his text message sent 10 mins after meet time saying guests over ruled our date. I rode the 8 mile loop.
8 Mile Loop consists of an easier smoother tread which is a speedy descent or a more leisurely climb. The other part is more difficult either way. I chose the screamer descent then paid the price climbing out. The descent is cool as sight lines are open and the tread is smooth. Zoom down. The climb out goes by a fire lookout that can be rented for overnights stay. Today for the first time of all my rides there someone was in the lookout. Couple had 2 dogs up there that navigated the steep stairs both up and down that the last pitch is just short of vertical. I pedaled up Connector and Knebal Springs up and down to get to 8 Mile. 13.4 miles climbing 2113′ pedaling for 2 hrs.. average bpm was 125 which is my anaerobic threshold so ride was big effort. Spent night same spot at 4235′ elevation. Primitive as I seek.
That night I decided I needed to meet face to face with Import to discuss items HR shop spoke of. Because the possibility of van shutting off disabling power brake controls during the 5 mile steep descent. I worried myself sleepless of what I would do if failure occurred. Wed morn I headed down slope heading to Bend. Whew, van performed as it is engineered to do. I filled diesel for data check on mileage: 26 mpg. Van is healthy. Made Import for face time. One, the HR suggested items would be dealt with at failure versus possible damaging of said items. Two, instruments are so sensitive that failure was caused by tiniest obstruction and is intermittent, should it happen again it would rise to an issue. Comfort is trusting info. I turned around and headed to WA.
So the above happens to me with whatever issue arises wherever I am. I am new to repair community for most places I go. I need to develop a rapport to discern what’s needed and what benefits the shop.
Thurs early laundry day in Bend then cross the River heading to Devils Gulch outside Cashmere, one of my most favorite trails. late arrival at anchor spot at Blewett Pass.
My travel is determined by air quality from forest fires. Devils Gulch was yellow. Friday morn I drove up Mission Creek to TH. About a noon pedal off. This trail is one of few that I have ridden where the uphill distance is the same as the going down: 11 miles each way, however up took 2 hrs, downhill was just an hour. Trail gradient climbs well, I don’t like out and backs or ups and downs. 22.7 miles climbing 3383′ pedaling for 3 hrs 25 mins, average heart rate was 125 again. I beat myself feeling it the next day enough to nibble at the computer stated recovery time of 72 hrs. I spent the night again at same spot. rain fell as did several loud poundings on the van compliments of someone disturbing a sleeper. Just that 1 banging was fortunately all.
Devils Gulch trail had received enough rain to collect in pools up high, then other places running water used the trail which was sane every time I have ridden the trail. Mud puddle water was stinky leaving its smell on my bike and lower legs. At the TH on Mission Creek I filled my tree sprayer with water and spritzed off the souvenirs. I chose to share this pic for drought riders who have forgotten mud.
I searched for trails to ride around Ellensburg, I found Manastash Ridge trails. I called a local shop inquiring about camping at TH. Was informed not permitted. Sunday AM I retraced route back to Ellensburg to trailhead. Trails are on exposed steep sage brush covered ground full on sun exposure, sun warmth would be appreciated. I picked a Trailforks route for my ride. A rider unknown to me was waiting for me to start. He joined me leading me up Chest Pains trail which is the preferred uphill trail. Namesake climb that my body just sent hard work climb. 40year old leading rider talked while I struggled behind rendering my talking almost nonexistence. Trails are on State wildlife land which does not permit ebikes different from state parks. 19.3 miles climbing 2726′ pedaling for 2hrs 51 mins, heart rate average was 128 beats, 3 beats above threshold, recovery time was again 72 hours. Tread was hard packed and fast. Descending Wildcat, the preferred downhill, was a screamer. Thing about hard pack is dirt offers little braking friction, still a whole lot of smiles. However, numerous alt lines were present with no directing signs, the alt lines were steeper. At the TH, which is wide shoulder, lacked signage, I could have spent the night there.
I finished later than I wanted as I planned on driving state highways to Spokane. Instead I drove 3 hrs of I90 to former neighbors driveway. Back in ’92 I had a log house built across the road from them, 30 years ago. I drove though short rain showers none had fallen on their land. WA I90 speed was 70 for cars and 60 for trucks, the slower truck speed was my choice. van performed for 283,xxx miles and almost 16 years of operation. New transmission is such a joy.
So, I am now around Spokane. I have reached out to old friends for visits. Dunno where I will head to nor when next, again dependent upon air quality.
The Cedar Creek fire east of Oakridge has grown to 113,322 acres is 11% contained, 2,577 personnel working to contain it. Fire has burned over the Cascade crest into the Deschutes NF. It’s a big one that only fall rains will put out.