Sunday I read the weather forecast which called for less than 50 mph winds. I needed a place to spend night. Aztec was down the road alos under high winds forecast. Hope springs from the human breast. Could the velocity live up to forecast. I drove down and parked on this exposed site and settled down. As hors passed wind velocity picked up rocking the van and me. Bed time, lights out, and under the covers as velocity picked up now rather violently rocking. I was more or less broad side to the force. I worked up my level of comfort and giving thought to relocating in wind protection. But that required returning van configuration to driving from bedroom. I remained hunkered down. In the morning I viewed nearest weather station wind velocity: top speed 51mph around 12PM then dropped. Everything remained properly located.
Monday’s forecast was for more wind albeit less velocity. At breakfast time winds were almost calm. Good day to ride and I dallied to allow sun warmth. When I pedaled away temp was chilly enough for mid weight jersey and wind shell. I pedaled the Alien Run trail loop for 9.5 miles for 1 hr 20 mins of average 106 bpm heart work which was low effort. Climbed 814′. Directional trail going out uses the blond slick rock features.
Trail goes by the alien crash site
Repair shop called and told me because my engine was going to be worked on, it needed to be cool enough for wrench’ safety. I previously learned I could sleep near the shop so the engine would be not hot. I drove back to Durango. High winds exposed land, jittery driving.
I decided to go social evening for dining out. I googled then picked original brew pub site even though I am beer free. Scored the end of the bar chair. 2 guys arrived and took the chairs away from me. Both are locally raised. Conversation somehow switched to mtn biking. The guy beside me spoke of his friend who teaches mountain biking skills. Her name is Lindsey. I know her. She is the godmother to his kids. I recognize her voice and she recognizes me because of my beard. He said he would share our meeting with her.
Drove back to the shop for sleep. Chilly enough for heater to run all night. Tech received a cold rig albeit he let the engine run for minutes, prolly never getting up to hot touch. Tech replaced the fan clutch then drove the van. Satisfaction that he fixed issue and listened / observed van condition. Fix was in and health is not needing other attention. Good to drive away.
Presently I am sitting at tire store awaiting my wheel balance appointment. Sunny, windy, and still long pants warm.
Plan is to return to Boggy this afternoon and night. Wed might ride there then drive 2 hours to Moab. Will be a windy drive.
Boggy Draw is 7,xxx’ where the Gambel oaks have not leaved out showing just their trunks and locations. I observed that the dirt there does not ride down firm. I would like to see the leave coverage but it would come after the last of winter water was pulled from the dirt to return trails to natural loose sand condition. At Alien at 6,xxx’ the oak is leaving out.
Lilacs in Durango have bloomed however the strong wind dilutes their fragrance.