40 degrees

Yesterday the skies were clear blue. The thermometer at mid afternoon start was 40 degrees. past peak solar gain. I wanted to ride. No such thing as cold weather, just bad clothing choices. I bundled up: knickers and knee socks and heavy weight wool jersey and wind jacket. Still long finger summer gloves. Earlier I stopped at The Hub to visit and also buy a better cold weather glove. I did not want to believe that I would need better warmth. My fingers remained toasty albeit could have worn my wool tshirt for core warmth.

I scored preferred spot off rd 41 for start, end, and sleep spot. Spot is right on Catch and Release trail. Short piece to Welcome Center and start of Ticket to Ride. Connect to ELV and all the gnome spectators. Nasty climb at start of KGB needed 1 blow stop. Becoming better acquainted with 46T gear on steeps.

KGB ice hazard

Climbed up to high point at intersection of Voodoo over to Voodoo child intersecting Ticket to Ride south side down to Welcome Center then Catch and Release back to warm van. Temp was 44 degrees.

Been burning the cat-infrared heater since demise of Propex. This heater’s by product is CO2 and water vapor. That vapor condenses on the windshield and humid air wets van contents. I have a device that reports humidity which calculated just 43%, I failed to check outside air to see relativity. Definitely wetter inside but it’s a good warm but not short sleeve comfortable.

Wed is install of 3rd Propex heater. Tech person Todd suggested the controller might be failure cause. I kept the controller from last year’s heater. Short story I attempted to swap controllers only to learn the new does not agree with the old as the plugs won’t mate. New heater install will now need the included new harnessĀ  to heater and controller installed. Work to be performed this Wed. The cat heater uses no battery power unlike the Propex which needs power to run the blower. Short day light and cloudy reduces the solar charge but so far never enough to drain the camper batteries.

I stepped up for shocks and struts replacement this Tues. Anticipation of better performing suspension.

This morning PT Dave checked out my knee. He said that the hematoma has been absorbed, swelling is caused by irritated MCL which is causing current knee discomfort.

La Pine is colder than Bend, Bend’s low tonight is 19, La Pine is 10. Staying up here tonight for less cold. Today and Sat are forecast high of 40 degrees. Cloudy now, will hang in warmth while looking at overcast.