Fruita and Moab shared same weather forecast for Tues night/ Wed all day for cold and high winds that became reality. Rocking van and heater ran all day and night, chilly inside mid 50s. I decided to hang Wed to wait weather change then leave Fruita Thurs morn after doing laundry in sad Fruita laundromat. Thursday became sunny and calm yet chilly. I topped off propane and water. I increased tire pressures to closer to recommended values which I noticed an immediate improvement in suspension. I was told that the recommended values were for a fully loaded van and my contents were not that heavy and lower pressure would make for a smoother ride. Same idea for mountain bike tires also. Next I will inflate to full pressures at next opportunity.
Pleasant interstate drive to Moab exit. Made Klondike road just freshly graded that smoothed out stutter bumps, way more enjoyable. I scored the same camp site in the paid campground which had 1 other rig a ways away. I dressed for chill in knickers and mid weight long underwear top and wind shell. I rode out Dino Flow and returned on trails on other side of system. I have ridden these trails many times over the years, I do like these trails. This ride stayed away from the climbs on other trails. Enjoying lower saddle height. Dino has blue level challenges and the return trails are green. Setting sun shaded places on the return, noticed at 3:30 the sun is blocked by buttes(?). 11.9 miles climbing just 604′ pedaling for 1 hr 33 mins. Heart rate was 123 average so I kept after it. Quiet and chilly night.
Yesterday I set out for a more challenging ride to climb up Mega Steps to Alaska. I pedal what i can and push what I can’t. Nice day, still chilly. I started with an undershirt under the wool long underwear top and wind shell. Sunshine and exertion warmed me to doff layers. I encountered maybe 10 riders. Chilly weather is a filter for riders and certainly campers. I remained hunkered down inside watching the thermometer to rise to 40 degrees before setting out. 8.97 miles climbing 948′ pedaling for 1 hr 33 mins, heart rate was lower at 118 perhaps from all the pushing versus yesterday’s pedaling.
Mice do not need open side door to enter that I have not found that portal. Last one selected my garbage sack making small pieces of wax paper then seemed to have left.
Last night was warmer as the heater reached shut off temp several times eliminating the blower noise. Sunny skies to charge batteries. I will listen to start of Buckeye football before riding. Temp at 9:44 AM is 53 degrees. Saturday crowds not present.
Here at North Klondike the BLM established a developed paid campground and closed off all the dispersed spots and let the rancher graze cows to chew down the desert. Shoo the people away to favor the cows.