Weather conditions here in Hurkin have been low 40s to 60s. And no recent precip. I wanted to ride trails S of Cedar City which sits at almost 6,000′ which about 3,000′ higher than Hurkin. I watched their forecast that called for temps in 50s towards the weekend. I figured that trails would be free of any snow. Enough for me to drive up there yesterday driving htrough La Verkin and Torquerville then on to I 15 N which right off the exchange had a 3rd lane for slow rigs. Big climb on interstate. Followed google maps directions to trailhead and Pyramid Ridge campground on BLM land.
I am repeating a previous visit. First off the sign at campground read camping by reservation only, not the previous way of paper work. I can write a check faster than navigating the recreation web page. I see benefit of electronic reservations showing campground choices and reserving chosen site. This site displayed every campsite and its status. I sought a level site that I could point nose into morning sun. The site I wanted did not show but nobody showed up. Leveling blocks established level per air bubble.
Chilly 40s, not 50sasforecast. I picked up trail from back of van, not the TH. Intention was to ride Turnpike, a N / S traversing trail to its northern end to climb up Lichen It to descending high point along ridge to drop back down to short piece of Turnpike, same as previous ride. This time I rode over scattered patches of refrozen snow holding bike tracks. I did a traction check learning that tire might hold. I chose lines that maximized balance. I was worked. Tread was firm.
As I rode I started seeing more snow where I believed I would be riding. At the N end I saw a BLM sign to effect don’t ride trails from 12/1 to a spring date I didn’t note. Me riding a closed trail isn’t my way. Signed trails that is. More snow and sign solidified decision to return same way. I checked out TH and saw the standalone posted same sign. Maybe 10 other people walked or biked the trail. I paid for the site before learning the above. I paid for the site so I spent then night.
Morning temp outside was low 20s, inside low 50s. I checked the sink water temp which was in 40s. Heater is a heat exchanger that can only put so many BTUs into circulating inside air and runs all night. My doubled over summer weight down blanket has been loosing loft, esp at my feet. Sewn thru baffling is meant to keep down located. The body perspires to keep skin moist, that moisture moved into blanket dampening the down. I needed warm feet. Back in Hurkin I ran the blanket in laundromat dryer for 45 mins on low heat. Restored loft is lacking. Plan B was to buy replacement. Googled same maker, sale price, always spend $ to save $.
Back in Bend I hiked up Pistol butte. My left foot clicked, bone movements, that previously would return to proper alignment. This hike no return movement leaving me with chronic pain in that foot. In Moab I sought PT as trying soft tissue correction first. One visit gave me several stretches that I performed as prescribed. Some reduction but still pain with every step. Another PT session here in Hurkin working soft tissue. Therapist worked the foot creating several pops indicating joint movement. Much better. I called a local chiro where I am an established patient, he works on feet. I’m down for a Mon morn foot adjustment hoping for eliminating the pain. I choose not even to hike, just walk as required.
So, I’m anchored here until all shipped items are picked up then until trail conditions deteriorate. 75 degrees, sunny, no wind. Temp at van ceiling is 86 with door open. It’s 3:19PM, sundown is 5:17. Soon solar warmth diminishes and air turns chilly like right now. Going to shut slider door to capture warmth.
Thurs I rode a rocky part of Rim trail. I relish the suspension with my pedaling hooking up the rear wheel for traction and forward motion. And properly placed pedal strokes.
Bikes data:
Bike first ride date last ride date # of rides Mileage
Turner 5Spot 3/2014 4/16 192 2366
Turner RFX 3/16 5/21 1151 16,113
Revel Rail 6/21 not yet 491 6339
That’s per Garmin data reporting.