Velocity aids stability when not misused as a crash cause. Starting on an uphill from a dead stop seeks velocity. The power leg is poised at 1 o’clock, the other creating balance. A moment of truth happens at push off, success is getting the other foot on its pedal then contributing to forward motion, Some times it is easier to push the bike.
Having a sinus issue causing concern of other source. Tried an UC in Spokane yesterday, seen by a PA. I learned that they are only able to treat the symptoms as they lack testing equipment. He prescribed a different anti which I started. Thing is the pain is not constant, while riding other demands push its signals to backstage. If imaging is needed I will return to Bend to be under care of primary provider.
Sunday’s ride on MT Spokane left lingering overuse. I rested on Monday. Tuesday after UC I drove out to Seven Mile for a ride that I struggled with convincing myself to pedal. I would ride because that’s what I do to consume time from wake up to lay down. Today I ended up still riding with gusto, the data reflects that but I was casual. I rode down stream to Sharp Stick in the Eye area of basalt cliffs and gardens. I found more unknown trails. This area is basalt:
Wandered around for 13.6 miles climbing 1214′ on river bottom.
Randy did the work, I just completed the sea to mouth journey of a piece of his salmon.
The last crown of the Spokane area rides is MT Coeur d’Alene, east of here. It is on my way east leaving Spokane. Or, it could be an over and back. Driving directions said 48 miles each way. That’s 4 gals diesel and the van runs great. If I over and back and did the ride my travel direction would be open. I drove over, busy Argonne, and I 90, traffic along twisty lake shore highway was light. Turn upstream on Beauty Creek road with broken patches of pavement. Recently hard packed dirt was placed in those holes eliminating creative steering to avoid wheel sucks. Arrived at parking spot under 2 large cedars. WTF? 2 pick ups occupying the spot. Parked on other side of road. 2 guys where standing outside talking, I saw mountain bikes which lured me to a conversation. Didn’t recognize either. One spoke up asking me if I remembered him from past rides. His voice triggered memory recall as it was Tim, a local. Over the years we have happened upon each other and shared a ride here. Last several years we didn’t connect, every time I always wondered if we would meet up. Well, today he and buddy were going to be pedaling up the road, as I was going to do, instead of pedaling up single track 257. I matched their younger bodys’ pace and able for short sentences. We chatted. He told of his huge effort of cutting out trees on these trails. I told my route, he told me the trail was clear. A road turned right for his ride and mine turned left to go down 257 to the Hole and the start of the pay back. Old legacy hiking trail that dirt bikes have been banned. Deep wild forest. Cedars. 2 large trees had fallen across the trail requiring high lifting or a rough go around. No pics taken. Trees are skinny straight tall perhaps competing for sunlight. Views are of tree trunks. Some years prior when I first rode these trails dirt bikes were allowed and for their interest they cut out trees as carrying a saw on a dirt bike is way easier than on a pedal bike.
My right shoulder has little strength for lifting. I have a difficult time lifting my bike over obstacles. I can not lift it over a regular height 3 strand barb wire fence. Fallen trees could be even higher. Today one fallen tree was bypassed on established tread, the other was on the trail about chest high that was overcome thru several moves. I so wanted to continue my direction versus a blockage too great for me to overcome causing retreat.
For today’s climb out I chose the go around which is on abandoned logging haul roads, bordered and thru sapling regrowth. I followed faint track. Tim showed me a climb out that I anticipating taking that is more direct. However, I pedaled right by that spur as regrowth covered it. I kept pedaling and pedaling. Finally I stopped to look at Trailforks to be found. I was were I was to be. Next time I will ride the trail pushing my bike on steeps which is more direct. I finally finished back at pass where I left Tim and Mark. Funny, a short pedal up the road to the summit there was those 2. My plan was to ride to summit then descend Caribou Ridge which still required about 30 mins of uphill pedaling. They had been sessioning trails, they were finishing their day with descent of entire 257. I put a cork in my mouth to stop visiting so I could get on with my ride. I summited where formerly there was a fire lookout tower. Descent was brisk, arrived at abandoned FS campsite, crossed over road picking up Caribou Ridge that continues descending ultimately to a red colored trailforks difficulty rating, local name is Scarabou. Rating is enough to avoid. Just before trail gets nasty a side trail offers a longer way back down. Forest canopy single track joins another haul road that has been better cut back. Long way, seemed long time to intersection of 257 part way down. 257 is downhill on deep forest cover legacy hiking trail. Dirt was firm, no dust. Whooppeee. Finish on pavement screamer to van, hit 28 mph. Another limit pushing ride of 21.2 miles climbing 3212′ pedaling for 3 hr 22 mins, average beats was 120, recovery was 62 hrs.
Inland Northwest has deep forest cover, moisture, lots of vertical, and lots of people albeit not on trails. Growth is continuing, way too busy for me. While I lived here I was like the frog in cold water being heated until cooked. Present visit is like a frog dropped into boiling water. Just way too busy. Traffic moves along as I drive about the speed limit being frequently passed only to arrive on their bumper at upcoming stop light.
Rain started before sunrise this morning, nice gentle rain, showers continued during the afternoon. Tomorrow will be hero dirt with puddles over hard pan.
I will start my going south travel plan.
Take away of Inland Northwest riding is lots of climbing rides.
Why riding downhill is so much fun is because we go fast with no effort, its like riding a dirt bike but without motor. Shuttles and lift serviced bike parks eliminate the earning of your turns, either earning or paying result in gravity assisted locomotion.