Fruita spring of 2024

Last Monday I returned to Horsethief area for remaining Moab days. Scored same spot. Only 1 other camper back there. Missing something about high use visitors. This spring has been uncrowded. In the afternoon I wandered around out there. Juniper tree cover just a bit taller than me. Mouse seems to have left the premises. Wind velocity was so strong and gusty to make balance moves unpredictable, walking on sand was tricky as when the sand deflected altering my foot balance point when wind blasted. Van side door was facing the wind such that when open for heat relief items inside were relocated if not anchored.

Tues was last ride. I rode from anchor picking up Rodeo out to its end at Chisholm which I rode down towards Navajo Rocks trails then back up. I like a trail that rides well each way which is Chisholm. Trails out here have lots of suspension enjoyment rocks. Sprinkles had fallen since last rider tracks, today I made my own fresh tracks down and part way back until approaching riders made their own tracks. 15.5 miles pedaling for 2 hr 17 mins climbing 1007′. 41 mins passed going out, return needed 49 mins. Reflection of climbing and spent effort. SO much till future visit.

Wed I drove to Fruita reentering CO. About 100 miles from Horsethief. I drove to Kokopeli TH for a ride out Mary’s then up Wranglers rejoining Mary’s towards the end. I have ridden these trails over the years many times. Tree cover is still same short junipers and desert dry. No spring flowers. 12 miles climbing 1112′ pedaling for 1 hr 43 mins, average bpm was 115. Then drive to Fuita.

Visited the original Over the Edge bike shop spending time with many of the staff. Night was spent N of Loma on rd S where I have been staying over the years. Windy, again van door opened into the wind. Temps during the day have been pleasant and cool for sleeping even needing minutes of heater warmth. Dinner was at Hot Tomato, Sedona salad.

Thurs was laundry day and shopping in Grand Junction. The single laundromat here in Fruita has owner upkeep lack of machine care that has been going on for years. I picked a laundromat in Junction which had its own problems. Clean clothes. Back to Fruita for socializing then drive back to BLM land for dinner and sleep.

Friday’s skies were cloud affected which kept down the heat. Today’s ride added Steve’s loop to previous ride. 15.5 miles climbing 1348′ pedaling for 2 hrs 16 mins. Again almost deserted trails.

section of Steve’s, 2 riders there

Back into town for propane and water.

Visit at OTE then back out to Loma.

My left leg condition is variable from days of no pain to at present occasional stabs of pain, enough for  OTC pain relieve. Still edema. Unsure if pain source is blood flow rerouting or the edema. For the edema I am taking an herbal dose ” snake oil” perhaps. I sought other natural relief from an herb dispensary in Moab. I started once a day elevating my legs to drain lymph.  Annoying pain.

Today is Sat of Memorial Day weekend. A rest day from biking. Windy and unsettled.

Sure enjoy my Revel Rail bike with the CBF suspension. Its climbing prowess puts a slight smile on my face even as I exert for the elevation gain. Seems that pedaling on the tech features loads the suspension to hug the ground, not kicked off like the DW RFX. Ride totals are 564 rides covering 7372 miles as of the 15th data crunch. Not yet 3 years old.

I bought the current issue of Freehub. I turned the pages looking at ads and articles. Almost every ad captured going downhill. Going downhill, letting gravity provide engine power, furthers the idea that mountain biking is about downhill. New trail construction favors downhill bike park like riding.