And so the oncoming darkness gets longer until Dec. So much to look forward to. Summer solstice is in the books. Daily change at first and at end is very slight, greater difference is in belly of change: not a straight line. SAD coming on.
Okay, moving on.
Today marks the start of the third year for my Revel Rail. Total rides is 416 rides covering 5612 miles per my spread sheet over 2 years. On today’s ride I mentally went over components identifying either move over from RFX or new to the build. Not many. These have not been serviced. Bottom bracket and cranks ( Praxxis). headset, handle bar, front brake (Formula), Original suspension bearings. I9 front wheel. As a package it continues to perform and please me.
On Tuesday I rode S Fork Tumalo creek from Skyliner up Tumalo Ridge single track then becoming beat up road to Swede Shelter. Took SST to Swampy loop CCW to S Fork trail then let it rip. Trail is ridden hard, too many riders rear brake dragging causing brake bumps going into the turns. The suspension sucks up the bumps. Trail is in virgin forest, dense conifer trees. One of my favorite trails, it’s a real earn your turns loop. Deep brake bumps at T intersection of Tumalo Creek to home. There is a piece of trail with open sight line and sustainable grade for no braking for max speed. Darn, still 24 mph.
14.2 miles climbing 1732′, 2 hr 5 min pedal. I was 2 mins slower on the road climb. Measure whatever and live with results. If not measured no objective evaluation,
Drove back to town for supplies, water, and propane. Nights had been cold enough to run the furnace. Parked out at spot off rd 41. Ride today was down low and not so much climbing on Catch and Release to Afternoon Delight to Roundabout loop reconnecting with Afternoon Delight for return. Last 2 trails are recent addition. For an “easy” ride it was 20.5 miles climbing 1558′ in 2 hrs 39 mins. Handbuilt purpose trails favoring bikes. Lots of carving turns on rolled firm dirt.
Thursday I drove into town to do laundry at west side laundromat. I met the new owner several years ago just after he bought it. Today his wife was in. She told me they just bought the one in La Pine and are working on buying the one in Sisters. Rest of day was resting my body but mentally taxing after listening to permit process for my house. There are time fences for work completion such that when I start I need to keep the pedal to the metal. Early July I will consult with a contractor to learn if my $ will cover construction.
Friday I rode from anchor over to Phils TH. I wanted to see what FS had done to camp spots around there. First was spot where I stayed for years but last 2 years campers squatted there. FS was serious in addition to chewing up the ground they placed several large dead trees blocking access. Open area still open. Pedaled around parking lot reading license plates: almost all Oregon plates. Fuels reduction logging , felller / buncher machines, is going which has closed some trails. I studied Trailforks and Bend trails to pick open trails. The FS had stapled their trail map dated 5/11 that showed closed what my sources showed open. I picked my data and headed thru thinned patches. 16.7 miles climbing 1296′ in 2 hrs 6 mins, Average speed was 7.98 mph.
Recent rides my heart rate has been lower than on last year’s rides so far. My limiter is my breathing, my engine is aging. Measure.
Today was another ride from breakfast. I checked map sources for trail closures which only apply Mon to Fri. Ride went from here on Catch and Release to Storm King climbing to hub intersection of Storm King, Funner, and Tiddlywinks. Climb a short piece of Tiddly against downhill traffic of which there was none today. Turn left at start of Larsen’s to Tyler’s Traverse for downhill to Catch and release to van. Tyler’s is a popular cross country downhill, I joined it midway. From my joining the trail was deep forest with bermed turns and hardly brake bumped. The trail crosses an access road into previously fuels reduced and a full on screamer bermed downhill. Horribly brake bumped from riders only riding this piece. Not my enjoyment. Turned onto Catch and release for pedal back. 15.1 miles, climbing 1332′ in 1 hr 56 mins. Average speed was 7.78, last year it was 7.77, this year my heart rate was lower for same result.
Back into town. Visited with TJ and The Hub to celebrate the bike’s birthday as he built it up. Water from a stand alone spigot at a county park on west side. Groceries from Newport Market on west side. Coffee beans across the street. Cross the river into downtown to visit Dudley’s bookstore for a new book. Then back out to empty spot off rd 41.
Mosquitoes are numerous noticeably inside my van as I have not covered the open door. I keep the door open until a chill sets in then close it shutting in a population of biters. I kill what I can before turning off the reading light and pulling the covers almost completely over my head. I swat at ones that I hear and accept feeding the next generation from the remainder. In the morning I kill blood gorged females. My back is very popular feeding spot, biting thru my shirt
I encounter very few riders during my rides. Few riders in spite of number of rigs at THs.
I searched for carpet cleaner service to clean my small piece of carpet. Amazing, ones I contacted charged min charge of $150. No way. I will apply that amount to a new piece of carpet should enough of this month’s allowance remain.
Chilly 59 degrees at 8:23 PM, 3932′. Shut the door trapping tonight’s blood suckers. Sundown is 9:04.
Sativa vs Indica. My experience is Sativa allows me to be mobile yet buzzed like the indica would but without the in the couch buzz. Indica would not have allowed me to write this. Earlier I switched to Indica which is affecting my effort here.
Local Don found me up at Skyliner on Tuesday, He is permitted chainsaw operator per the FS. He and several of his friends have been responsible for cutting out the trails. I have been riding trails he has cut out: big trees and lots of cutting. Wed he cleared 102 trees off N Nork trail. He said FS doesn’t participate in clearing. All volunteers.
Finishing up No Country for Old Men.
Dinner dishes won’t do themselves. I have never left the mess overnight. More indica.
Tomorrow up to Swampy.
Slow internet means no pics.