- As in now Chill and chill. Temp reaching low 40s under solar gain but giving gain up to 20s in the dark. Small chill is a place having a vibe that says okey dokey. Maybe so, I spend my time away from civilization, as in brew pubs and coffee bars, mountain biking trails well away from commercial tourism. But, the capital Chill is harshing my vibe for the locale. 2 days ago a fierce wind storm blew thru, max gust recorded was 44 mph at the airport which is N of town and out of the river gorge. Like N Klondike. For me I can wait for a more favorable being outside conditions.
Finally on Thurs, yesterday, I ventured on a ride out at Bar M trails. It was chilly with a gentle cooling breeze. Bright warming sunshine. I perceived snow cover further N at Klondike that eliminated that choice. Horsethief is up higher elevation so I figured snow and even colder. Road drive would be muddier. Bar M is out of the gorge and not too far from town and the city spot in Reid’s yard. Temp was 42 when I set out. Puddles did exist that preceding riders had broken the ice, 1 puddle still had ice panes. Today I worked on making technical solutions and enjoying outside time. Deadman’s has much to be challenged by. My bike, Revel Rail, is such an improvement over my first bike I rode while here, it was the Klein 26″ fully rigid, toe traps, rim brakes, 3X, etc, no dropper post Top Gun. Seems if I get out of the way the bike will move forward.
Forecast here is for day highs 40s and lows 20s for long enough ways out for me to be Chilled out. Tomorrow I will be heading further south to Hurricane where the capital Chill is above freezing. And too early for freeze thaw mud.
Scenery here is awesome with the La Sals whitened under snow and the bare red sandstone rock.
Yesterday driving back down to town a view was spectacular affected by low angle late afternoon light. I passed a photo.
Yesterday as I was riding back to my van a rider hailed me by name then told of out past meetings. Duh, brain opacity. Seemed to have a handle on local riding. He told of a soon to be opened trail that connects Eagle Eye and Falcon Flow to eliminate the 4X4 track. Said Tyson created some excellent rock work. Last year I rode the 2 trails and 4X4 that required driving Sand Flats road, which exceeded my van comfort abuse on, then the monster road pedal climb to get to start on Eagle Eye. Not this year.
This afternoon Zags play Michigan at local 4:30 time. Checked out a Moab sports bar yesterday to learn they get the ESPN game. Good. Just consuming time till tip off. Parked outside of town in an empty plat of land with van front into the sun. Van thermometer reads 54 degrees. My left knee is hurting, I want to not use it. Lack of riding drive.
Present conditions here have been closer to Thanksgiving, I rode more times on dry trails in years past. Propane is very expensive compared to Bend. This morn filling was $34, 5.6 gals which is full capacity, I was minutes away from flame out.
Afternoon: Moab is so much prettier and more enjoyable varied riding than Hurkin, however Hurkin is warmer and prolly drier. Here, night temps are in 20s and lower up high and upper 30s riding. So much to stay for: ice in the puddles, fee camping at Willow and N Klondike where I can ride from. Up high is much colder free Horsethief. Hurkin camping is sketchy hoping free Quail Lake has empty sites. Bend spoils me.
Watching Zags game in fancified former dive bar. So far Zags don’t play like #1 rated team