It’s the law. Physics. Measured. Constant.
Today I completed a ride, one that I was apprehensive could I do it? Technicality was blue and lower, there were climbs, just 16 miles with 1529’ climbing. Pedaled for 2 hours 14 mins. I last rode this loop 2 years ago. 7,xxx’ altitude coming from 4,xxx’. I figured that I would be doing more walking and stopping to blow. I knew all of that, I was unsure if I would meet this challenge. Not big magnitude of test. I blew up on hills, some I walked that I previously rode. I made it.
?
Time taking so long to pass. The climb up Little Bean took forever on my body but little of time. My body is age affected, the ol gray goose ain’t what it used to be. I don’t really enjoy the hurting parts of a ride that benefit my health, maybe like eating a spoonful of cod liver oil. My modus is not overly expending myself: I coast and pump. Going fast shortens the resting before the approaching climb.
Time is personal. Today’s 2 hr 14 mins took a long time to pass.
Van finally chronically expressed the sound that I perceived to be the turbo as I climbed the hill out of Dolores heading to Boggy Draw area. I found a sleep spot then shut off the engine. I did not want to listen to it. It needs attention. I had weak internet signal for Google search for repair shop. Nothing in nearby Cortez. Switched to Durango finding a shop that said “Sprinters”. I called the shop, yes they do, and they scheduled me for the next day. Thursday I drove the 60 miles to the shop while listening to the abnormal noise and slight loss of power. I willed the van to the shop. After a short wait a tech greeted me and set to learning of issue. He plugged a scanner in to search for codes and to retrieve data. No codes were shown. Went for a drive, me first to tell him what I hear. Then he on the return to feel. Turbo performance was right on. Deduction lead to the failed fan clutch which was replaced 1/23. I heard of problems with this part. He ordered the part and scheduled replacement for this Tues. Score. Competent tech is owner’s kid. It’s all about trust.
I drove back to town to visit Diaz’s shop where he makes the RUNT and custom tunes suspensions. He called me by name. He said he created this thing that is now eating him. Successful product and service creates demand.
In the parking lot I looked at the right rear tire which was flat repaired in Cottonwood. Just observing the repair. Looked down, I put pressure gauge on valve which showed loss of air. Googled tire store, one in town back out where I came from. Drove to it. Told I would have a wait. Today is laundry day that needed to be done. Shop put me in line so that I could drive back into town to do laundry then return for little wait. Tech found a small screw then repaired tire etc.
Drove back to Boggy Draw.
Friday night out Boggy Draw drew weekenders. Found site previously stayed on, close to the gravel road and more visible. Preferred spots were being enjoyed by others.
Currently 8:15 PM MDT N of Aztec, NM. Sunday.
This morning I needed to drive to Cortez for needed propane and water. Now the start of the propane quest. I am long ways from Dolores that does fill portable propane cylinders only. Next possible seller is Cortez nearby. Drove to town. Found 4 places selling propane, short story: none were selling. Expanded search. Durango is closest. Strong winds were forecast which blew my wind foil twitching in my lane. The sound of the fan covered over engine sounds which I continually search for unhappiness. 5.1 gallons, max is 5.6, I would have run out before places in Cortez would be pumping. Sort of plan here in Durango was to hang out living in the van parked near the repair shop. Night time would be city camping outside the shop. Maybe.
I checked weather forecast for Mon which calls for high winds. 30 miles south is Alien Run trails N of Aztec, NM and primitive camping. Location forecast was for same winds: 50mph gusts, 20-30 constant. Dunno. I drove down to TH for Alien Run. Parked outside the TH parking lot, exposed to winds from any direction. Rock a bye baby in the van. Wind velocity tomorrow will decide a ride. I could stay here tomorrow then drive the 45 mins to the repair shop.
Sat I rode from anchor at Boggy Draw. Trails here are well ridden in creating cup shape which holds the tires. However, to hike on them is to be knock kneed as feet land on either side of the cup. Just an observation. The dirt here never bakes hard, it just becomes loose. I am on tail end of spring moist conditions. Little Bean trail goes over numerous slight tech features for paying attention to business versus others that are smooth and just pedaling.
Boggy Draw trails are on San Juan NF land, TH elevation is like 7,2xx. I scanned a FS posted sandwich board paper work for current prescribed burning affecting Boggy Draw. Tree cover is P-pine scattered, intermixed with open areas like a park.
3 bar strength here for picture sharing.
Windy.