Steve lives here in Big Wood Rive Valley and he knows the trails as an experienced local. I just follow him, always the benefit of letting a local lead me around, and his decisions have kept smiles on my face albeit grimacing on the climbs. Every ride that finishes back at the rigs is considered successful. A ride that finishes on the downhill keeps the smile on at the rig. However, uphill effect on a cold body carries thru the ride. Every ride here started climbing. We have been riding weather windows between thunder storms and carrying rain jackets that have yet to be deployed which speaks to Steve’s weather tell.
Spring bloom time. The arrowhead balsam root yellow blossom is predominate at this time.
Rides out at Croy have above plus lupine is coming on which emits a very sweet fragrance. Purple, red, white colors. Croy is sage covered, no trees to hide the vastness of this area.
The above ride hit 10 miles long, all others have been less.
Today Steve picked me up from Saddle TH for our ride up at Galena lodge. Start was at 7100′, Flagstaff elevation. Route selection was The Grinder. Galena has been developed creating many purpose built mountain bike trails with no shuttles. Steve knows these trails and how to make the climb less grimacing. Route crossed 2 snow melt swollen freshets. Following Steve who rides a Revel Rascal 29er. He pedaled across, I was floored as I feared flow strength would be strong enough to wash my wheels out from under me, if by myself I would have looked for a dry feet crossing. Steve made it upright. I pondered my success for several breaths then pedaled in. I made both of them with not full immersion feet. Follow Steve. He inspired my confidence.
Today i rode his wheel. He’s just 69, I told him old age and deceit will be youth and skill every time which was why I suckcd his wheel and told him stories because he is just a little slower than me on uphills. His speed allowed me to talk. That was today, Yesterday riding Fox Creek loop he had me on the climbs.
Down to his driveway S of Bellevue for the night. Tomorrow I head East towards Bend for Tuesday dentist appointment.
Leaving now, perhaps add more later.