“Everybody” complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it. Me, Mother Nature controls the show, I just live with effects to make what I am able to do. My dresser has 2 drawers, the top is for street clothes, the lower is uncold temp riding clothes. The street clothes are in 2 layers, one for warm and the other for cold. I just resequenced the cold clothing to be on top. Soon I will be putting on cold weather bike clothing from a separate drawer.
Sunday was an enjoyable sunny ride out at Kokopeli trails. Same ol’ same ol’ trails. Mountain biking is challenging even on familiar trails as tread might be different like a rock moved, a pedal stroke missed to make a feature, or a different line chosen. The scenery might change as in fall colors or soon to be stick season. A constant is riding same trails. I start from a parking spot removed from main TH and pedal a pice of the gravel road before turning onto a closed double track to a gap in the ridge then descend last of More fun then start climbing Mary’s. The first part of this trail is an old road with just single track line choices to a pinch point where a rock slide constricts to a squeeze. There on single track and features. This ride I rode Steve’s Connector that starts at locally named Pizza Point and connects to Steve’s loop then the loop. Peter showed me this direction. Out of Steve’s back to far end of Mary’s heading back. I rode the 2nd Wrangler cutover to finish on Wrangler. This choice eliminated Wrangler climb and descending switchbacks and miles of old below grade double track. 13.2 miles climbing 1122′.
I drove back to Fruita for resupply and visit with Peter at OTE to plan Monday’s ride where he would guide me on his Junction local trails. Our ride needed to be on Monday as the forecast wants wet for Tues and Wed. He showed me where to meet.
Monday I drove out to meet location. This area is on the approach to Junction’s airport. Peter and wife Janet live nearby which makes this a preferred riding area. Over time they have explored cow paths, dirt bike trails, and 4X4 roads and named some of them to create a loop. Weather was overcast and windy. I followed a ways off the back as they are faster. First part was thru prairie dog towns. Old cow pies. Brown vegetation.
My Rail has been ridden 656 rides covering 8412 miles since June 2021.
Sprinkles fell on our return. Chilly. Packed up and I returned to Fruita then out to my sleep spot N or Loma. Towards early morning the forecasted weather system made its presence felt with van rocking gusts and pounding rain. I park off S road which is an all weather gravel road allowing 2 wheel drive travel. After Bfast I drove back to Fruita. I hang at OTE for socializing with staff, most of them I have known for years. Then back out to sleep spot. This morning more rain fell which wets the gravel slicking it like driving on fresh snow.
So, I’m back at S road hunkered down. Dirt is too wet to ride, perhaps tomorrow. Forecast for tonight is freeze warning 25 degrees. Ground is too warm to create freeze thaw mud. Cooler weather is moving in which will keep my side door closed eliminating entrance for mice. The last one ate almond butter coconut bait for 2 nights before its 3rd feast met with capture.
Next Tues I have follow up appointment with dermatologist regarding my leg issue. The prescribed ointment cleared up the ulcer. I plan on heading to Moab afterwards which is warmer.