Above freezing morning but still chilly. Going to ride Luke’s right from van, just a matter of waiting for sufficient solar gain to start. Van was parked with the thermostat aimed directly into sun, as result rear of van warms up telling thermostat to turn off heat, but I’m chilly up front. Made 10 AM start.
I rode here this spring and once years ago. Last spring I missed a move, consequence was falling backwards onto a cactus, several spines transfered from plant to my posterior. I pulled out what I could, others remained embedded. Several days later Steve tweezed those out. Today I missed seeing where that fall occurred. I was focused on tread which all over is rocky. Technique is to keep power on the pedals for propulsion over those rocks. I rode the same ride as this spring. More attuned to suspension performance.
Short distance ride that worked my body twisting snaking the bends.
Back at the van I stretched and warm water wiped down my body. Made ready to travel.
Controlled speed descent. Grocery shopped in town for 2 day stay at N Klondike. Headed south towards Moab. I arrived at side road to primitive camping where I stayed this spring. I decided to stay here then finish the drive to Moab tomorrow to paid camping. By staying here I avoided paying camping at N Klondike, I just needed a spot to anchor and Moab is about an hour away, short drive.
5600′, another warm afternoon enjoying the fall sunshine.