Yesterday, Jul 18, 2023, marked completion of 15 years of my odyssey Mountain Biking the States. Fifteen years.
Numbers from my spread sheet: 3,060 mountain bike rides covering 43,992 miles, climbing more than 518,716 feet. Van mileage is at 294,673 miles ( figure 18,000 miles prior to leaving Spokane), spent in excess of $33,447 on diesel. Haven’t dug to find out how much I spent on bike stuff.
Just keep adding to the numbers.
My travails, numbers as in dollars.
SO, the solar controller is being replaced end of this month. The shop will keep my van overnight and not allow me to sleep in it. Made motel reservation: $178 to have store bought bed and running hot water.
Yesterday my sink pump started send burping sounds. Not right. Previously I installed an in line switch so I was able to shut it off. Short story: I stopped at a local RV store to buy fittings on the intake side of pump and installed but sound remained. Figured the electric in the pump was suspect. Shop pump price was $184. I found one ata major chain for less. I parked in a parking lot and installed new pump. Hit go switch: sound still there. I tore down the electrical connections. Still there. I wondered if the solar controller was the culprit. Called the solar shop, guy said to check for open faucets. I did, could not find a leak. I did notice that water was on the door step where I keep a filled gallon jug that had a taped over hole that I thought was the source. I bought a new jug but step remained wet. Right below the wet spot I have a hose and a valve. I checked the valve: darn, it was ever so slightly cracked open which explained the wet step. Once closed the sound went away. Shit, pump was fine/ I asked to return it but store said I bought it. I don’t need previous one and I lack room to carry it as a spare. Numbers: I visited a local bike shop where I heard a guy was building up a van and maybe he or someone would buy it. Wrench said he needed on, struck a $50 deal.
Numbers: Yesterday to celebrate I rode North Fork which is a monster climb up n fork of Tumalo creek. My engine continues to reveal its age as I lack umph to make 1 or 2 pedal strokes to surmount a feature but otherwise I pedaled it all but for several blow stops. Trail ends at Happy Valley with feeding mosquitoes. Several miles on Met-Win trail to Mrazek Ridge for more miles to start of Farewell drop down to Tumalo creek trail back to start. 14. 4 miles climbing 1732′ pedaling for 2 hrs 10 mins. Average heart rate was 121 just below 85% max rate. Deep virgin forest up the creek gorge. Really pretty. I like the Oregon Cascades.
Farewell drops down from the ridge to Tumalo creek. There are several patches of nasty rock gardens of pointed rocks. In years past I timidly picked my way over the points. This ride I went after the line using the points if they supported my line. Learning lesson for me as to what my bike can handle and what my confidence will support. Crashing was not an option. Tumalo creek offers that piece of downhill speeding, 24.9 mph, 25.x is fastest but done on the RFX.
Celebrated last night dinner out at food court on west side. finished with a second glass of wine at 10 Barrel. You only know change if you have seen it prior. Place no longer has local watering hole feel.
Temps in 90s here. I’m parked on a side street in the shade of a small deciduous tree. Strong internet to post pics. i don’t seem to be drinking enough fluids which I hope is cause of general malady. I did have a chiro adjustment yesterday.
Tomorrow afternoon is my cardio DR appointment.
Where I stay off rd 41 a population of ground squirrels and chipmunks scurry around doing their thing. Upon occasion one will be bold enough to crawl into the van. None have stayed long, their hearts continued to beat albeit faster after I scare them.
Rest day. Right knee still sore. Pounding water down. Morning temps have been upper 30s. Not long enough to run the heater.