Moab riding

Days have passed since last posting, as another laundry day in town. Very weak internet signal at both places I stay: N Klondike and past Horsethief. I added additional 2 gals of drinking water and filled sink tank of 7 gals full, filled propane tank, and pantry during short visits to town. Then head out to the wilds.

Klondike is on BLM land. Several years ago the org blocked off all the dispersed spots to drive campers to paid sites and provided CXT outhouses and garbage dumpster. $20 per night, my senior pass cuts it in half. I paid for 3 nights. I pick campsite number 1 at the entrance as the other sites are further away. Trails here are mostly slick rock patches.

Trails offer choices of how hard I want to beat myself. On the far side above is system of easy flat trails for pedaling. This side is on upthrust slick rock slab. Sure enjoy full suspension which keeps wheel tracking and the body not beat. Still absorb the jolts.

I had stopped to take above pic. I noticed a cactus in bloom then studied insect activity. Flower has both male and female parts. No idea if insects do the pollination. The insects seem to have been air driopped into blossom as I saw no train leading from the ground to the blossom.

Full on sun exposure, Utah junipers are short, the sun is high, little shade. Temps are in upper 80s. I have shortened the length of my rides to less than 2 hours. Klondike allows choice of distance and effort. 3 rides here then drive 2 mile washboard gravel road to highway back to town for resupply.

I have stayed 2 visits of 3 days at spot past Horsethief XG at my preferred spot.

A mouse has taken up residence. First indication were the nibble marks on pieces of hard candy. I set out the spring smack traps, on e in food drawer and other under sink. I slather peanut butter on trigger. No snapping noise during the night. In the morning I see the mouse ate the bait without springing the trap. Perhaps too much peanut butter blocked the trigger. Bought 2 new traps today for use tonight. Traps are made by Woodstream in Lititz, PA next town over from Manheim where I lived for 6 years back in the 70s.

Last night I was awakened by a louder chewing sound from under neath the van, not caused by inside mouse. I slid out of bed then pounded on floor which stilled that noise… temporarily. The chewer did not take the unwelcome. I started the engine and reved it several times which the chewer perceived as an unwelcome signal. Quiet. I should crawl underneath van to see what it chewed on.

Weather was unsettled producing short lived high intensity t-storms. Rocked the van and muddied the windows. One storm dropped the temp from 86 to 72 degrees.

Aging for me is depressing as the older I become the less able I am to do what I used to be able to do. Difficult to put a positive spin on the decline. I ride shorter rides and when possible chose the lesser challenge. I believe I could still ride a distance albeit slower, I chose less discomfort. I still elevate my heart rate even at slower speed. My breathing is what limits me as I lack the final maybe 2 pedal strokes to get up something. I shared this concern with another rider who said he is experiencing similar angst, but he is just 62 years old.

Back in hot town today. Spend the night at Reid’s in town. Tomorrow pick up mail from PO and add to stores then drive out to Klondike for more rides. I plan on driving to Fruita on Wed. Thurs my med needs to be refilled at Walgreens in town.

Horsethief area pics.

With that,  bicycles that have an electric battery that provides energy to a motor is a motorized bicycle. Trails are designated motorized or non motorized. Calling a bike an E-bike dodges the fact that they are motorized and not permitted on non motorized trails. More fitting name is M-bike for motorized. My put is complying with regulation. If the trail is open to them, fine, I know that they are allowed. Until a trail is designated M-bike then they are not permitted. No ifs ands or buts.