I remember my grandmother saying that.
Do Tell,
Tonight I’m back down N of La Pine on an acre of land I have legal ownership of. Spent the day resting while avoiding 101 degree temp as displayed by van thermometer. 75 degrees at this time of 7:30PM under shade of Ppine and lodgepole trees. Dry on volcanic ash stirs to clouds at slightest contact. The land here is same, dust, my land is covered by pine needles, nothing organic to hold moisture. Will have no grass to mow. Better internet speed here.
Last Sat I gave volunteer labor to the COTA cause helping paint the bulletin boards at Wanoga TH. That day was very blustery and chilly between snow showers. I stayed at Swampy for several nights which dropped low temp enough to enjoy the heater. Sun morn I checked propane level, dial said better fill me up pretty quick. At refill down in town was 5,4 gal, .2 gal left.
Been staying at Swampy and rd 41 to ride from either location. Rd41 is down low at 3932′ sort of at bottom of Phil’s trails. I join Catch and Release from sleep spot to either traverse on low trail or climb from traverse. I rode C&R to Afternoon Delight out and back, 16.7 miles climbing 1284′ traversing. I’ve ridden Storm King both ways, descending is more fun. Swampy elevation is 5825′. One ride was up Ridge to Flagline Tie at 6200. Several snow patches on ascent were beside the trail. Next was the Tie, at first snow free then exposure became more N and snow patches became the tread. Snow patches are solid winter snow pack which needs many more days to melt out. I wheeled my bike over, some places maybe 30″ deep. Made junction with Lower Flagline to descend to Swampy on snow free but very dusty trail. So few bikes had ridden this piece yet it was already dust dry dirt.
I prefer riding at Swampy as trails are more rugged and fewer riders. Several rides have taken me thru the turn where I fvell last year. The turn is just a bucket of pumice, I avoided the belly of the turn and carried enough speed for front wheel control.
A pay for seat public transit bus started running on Tuesday. $5 buys 1 way ride from town all the way to Bachelor with stops along the way. Yesterday I slipped a fiver down the money slot at the FS Welcome center and dropped off at Swampy. I was the only rider. This year the bus pulls a bike trailer for maybe 20 bikes. Last year maybe 7 bikes. This ride, to me, is my favorite. Rode by above. Downhill challenge starts at South Fork dropping down to Tumalo creek trail that bottoms out at Skyliner for start of earn your turns climbing up same. Short climb at start of Phils then more descending on Storm King to Grand Slam to join Ticket to Ride finish. FS has been burning vegetation, here I rode thru recent burn
No organic dirt, duff is just pine needles. easy digging of fire line. Back in 1970, 54 years ago, I dug fire line on the wet side of the Cascades where the organic was deep and rooty. We dug line with one foot in the fire, flames burned to shorten my pants hemline.
Ride was 18.9 miles climbing 974′ while descending 2691′, I pedaled for 2hrs 15 mins. I was spent. I will ride this again. South Fork is a sporty descent, riders do ride up climbing like 300’/mile meaning it’s not that steep. I let gravity pull me downward letting bike suspension suck up terrain changes and Formula Cura brakes to reduce my speed. On Tumalo creek I hit 25 mph.
Specter Suspension services suspension units now co located in The Hub Cyclery shop. He overhauled my Fox fork damper, its first.
Received sad news that my long time friend from Spokane, Randy, suffered a massive heart attack during a ride.
My left leg, the one with the glued closed varicose vein has a venous stasis ulcer that is causing frequent / infrequent pain. A vein person finally told me this condition was not in their care. A wound care specialist is needed. I googled to find several prospective care givers. Learned I needed a referral to get in. I visited an urgent care office and was given referral. Now waiting for that office to process me before an appointment is scheduled. It hurts randomly.
Tuesday Import Performances gave my van a going over. They identified worn front end parts to replacement tune of $5,000. Explains the clunks and shudders. Replacement is July 1. Passing condition of rest of van which now has 307721 miles and almost 18 years old. House needs a new porch.
Rediscovered Bonta, a local gelato maker. Salted dark chocolate. Break for same. I make a pint last for 4 servings, that’s 1 per day.
Tomorrow back to Bend. I have visions of last ride test up Mrazek ridge, it’s a big ride. Monday bike will be 3 years old.
Time to put this to print and sharing.