Yesterday afternoon I arrived in Wood River Valley from yon. I left Fruita on Tuesday driving to Price, UT arriving in time for a ride on Luke’s system, spent the night, Wed I drove thru Salt Lake City stopping for a ride then drove to Kimberly for Indian Springs ride night then ride the next day. Thurs I rode there then drove to Wood River Valley. Many miles covered and rides.
Fruita: the Kokopeli trails cover lots of territory and miles with very few others to share space with. On Sunday I rode Troy Built, an out there all by myself trail. Previous years I had ridden this route, however, in my angst of acceptance of my declining ability and confidence, I was apprehensive for my safe ride. I passed.
I rode down Hawkeye which has climbing also. Tough enjoyable trail I avoid climbing. Later I hiked part way up as recovery and causing my body’s reflexes to navigate irregular terrain and also to watch riders. One rider stopped on his climb to visit. He told me he wrote the guide to mountain biking in Pennsylvania years ago. We chatted about rides in the state. He also knows Herm who creates Purple Lizard PA trail maps whom I know. Cool connections.
Monday I hiked a bit out at McGinnis area. I saw the parking lot was plugged so I chose another spot to park and hike.
This spring has been very windy. Where I park N of Loma is exposed and is buffeted by cross winds as parked. Rock a baby.
Tuesday continued the wind velocity as I drove to Price, Cross and head winds kept both hands on the steering wheel for proper lane travel. In Price I visited the bike shop on its open day. Short visit. Bought replacement sticker: Crappy bikes make Baby Jesus Cry. Bumpy drive climb up to TH. Windy and warm. Prolly last of cactus till return from north. I have been stopping to ride here on my way either N or S bound.
Wed up and at it early for drive thru SLC traffic, do a ride, then drive to Kimberly, ID for Indian Springs. 4 lanes of interstate highway keeping my wits about myself.
I researched a ride on the way. I chose Wild Rose near N SLC. The TF elevation profile appeared doable. The drive climbed away from the interstate thru new residential neighborhoods. TH is at edge of FS land, ride is on same.
The trails went thru oak thickets for tree cover. Such greenery.
My goal was to ride a piece of newly constructed trail up a ways as up and down ride. The trails access down low was old school steep and loose non sharp edged stones. I was not enjoying myself even on the new tread. TF showed a connector trail down to lower loop trail I wanted for return. That trail went straight down the steep fall line that was challenging to bulldog me and my bike down. Way too steep. I made it safely to the lower system for my ride finish. I reaffirmed my bad ride choice as trails on east side of interstate climb.
Back on interstate: 20mph constant velocity with 30+ gusts. Van speed was hindered. Head wind as road continued N then became cross wind as direction changed to west. Arrived at Indian Springs TH at dinner time. Winds were still too strong to open the roof fan cover. WINDY.
Thurs would be a busy day as I wanted to be in Ketchum at dinner time for a Wood River trails gathering. First was breakfast then waiting for temp to climb into 50s before starting. Today I climbed up Lower Sugarloaf instead of the creek trail which has heavy cow damage and traffic. Cows were everywhere.
Sage ground cover, full on sun exposure.
I spotted salsify weed as I climbed. The plant might not be labeled invasive but is obnoxious as nothing eats it, spreads many seeds for new growth, and competes with native plants. I would pedal a bit working up need for a blow and spot a plant then stop to pull up. I learned pulling them up before seeding eliminated next year’s population as I saw on Troy Built trail at Fruita where last year I pulled plants.
The trails here are old school hand built, some like rake and ride primitive. Up high I entered an area that was just filled with salsify, almost all had not grown to flowering stalk. I pulled and pulled but did not eradicate all of them.
Finished short ride then started drive to Wood River Valley. Still monster wind from west. At start it was cross wind until heading west on I84 which buffeted me, then became cross wind as I drove N. Today was laundry day, I chose laundromat in Hailey that I have used in past. Clean clothes then drove up valley to Ketchum. Traffic was light heading my way, however, huge traffic back up heading the other way. Evening return traffic, avoid that time. Made the trail social. I attempted socializing but I seemed to just be mingling by myself. I did see a woman who appeared to be like me: solitary. I struck up a conversation with her. Gathering reached its end before nightfall. Main drag thru Ketchum is under construction causing reroute thru town. I drove back down river sharing the highway with scarcely another driver. I drove out Croy canyon I checked out Democrat Gulch spot where I stayed years ago. Empty, spent the night. Years ago this are was severely burned and closed to public. Presently area is open and regrowth has returned to green. A small stream flows nearby that was populated by beavers which have not returned post burn. Surprised to receive strong internet signal which is why I am writing this now, Today is a non ride day, I might hike some of the trail going up valley.
Read a news article about prescribe burn smoke haze at Bend causing poor air quality. Darn, Bend is my next stop thinking next week.