I went searching again for a replaced for current CORE. I selected another Suunto model that was delivered to me here in Moab. Anticipation was keen with a sense of discipline as it remained boxed until I settled in at N Klondike xg. I opened the clever packaging and set to learning and setting it up. It’s main purpose is to process performance data via algorithms resulting in knowledge about your body. Plus gps, compass, and more. I go it to working so that I could muddle my way thru setup. I pushed buttons for set up. I completely missed that it was a touch screen for selections. Records sleeping data. I already record  data from bike computer and a topo app. And I only know performance when on bike. I read this To stop time, untie yourself from time. Thinking about info from new watch would couple me closer to time. I decided to return it.

A parallel idea was percolating in the conscious mind of buying a shock. Something caught my eye for Cane Creek coil shock. Returning the watch would be almost  50%, and the shock was warehouse sale price. Coil shock is more enjoyable, an enhancement in quality of ride. Today the warming sun was streaming through the windshield warming my sitting seat. I called Cane seeking info. Short answer: I ordered a Kitsuma Coil shock to be delivered at Hurkin maybe next week. Cane is near Asheville, NC. Kitsuma is a local challenging trail that I rode back in ’09. Just 1 memory comes to mind. Shock has 4 adjustment knobs to turn for suspension tuning, shock is not meant to set in the middle and forget like I have down on present shock. Measuring.

Enhancing the ride over came the quest for connecting to time allows me to know a little less.

Second night out at N Klondike XG, elevation 4692 which is 1,000′ lower than Horsethief. This morning at 6;30 it was 15 deg out and 50 inside. I had the pick of every site, I sought the one that got the longest daylight for warmth and solar charging.

It ain’t right that a rancher is permitted to graze to death the desert here and likely many other places. BLM land manager. I dispersed camp here for years and did sometimes many others before the BLM established a developed campground to corral people parking off road. Cows might have been here and maybe more moisture such that I did notice the degradation. My put is human’s caused less damage than the cows are doing. The XG is open to cows. Pay to sleep in a barn yard.

Today I let the sun heat me and the air, the temp hit 55 at ride’s end. I wore an additional upper layer and knickers. Warm up on the flat side of the valley, preparing for climbing effort ahead. I climbed Old Salty to Baby Steps 4×4 rd to Mega Steps descent to Dino and out. Mega Steps has at least 1 climb too much for my engine. Today I was setting up for a climb move but missed a rock staller stopping me abruptly tottering me to the back slope landing on my right hip, pelvis bone, no protective body padding. No feedback when I stood up so I pushed up rest of climb. Bone bruise.

Earlier I spent 2 nights on Willow Springs rd. The first day was cold, not hitting 40, and windy but sunny,  made the day rest day. Second day the temp made mid 40s and calm wind. I drove further out on the road to right at left hand turn before the soft sand filled wash. Klonzo trail system sandwiched between state trust land and Arches NP on BLM land. A 4×4 rd splits the tread type. I rode the left side climbing which is almost all hand dug dirt tread. I crossed the road to slick rock and sand patches. You don’t get this kind of riding everywhere.

Wed night in town I attended an appreciation of volunteers and staff of Moab Trails org. I wanted to be in a sea of my peers. I was acquainted with several attendees. Night in town spent in Reid’s driveway. Thurs was wash and provision for several nights out here. Which is where I am now, 9:20 PM, temp is 22 degrees. Chilly living, a second down comforter keeps me toasty.

Stepped into the galley to boil up a cup of tea.

Solar power lacks the punch when the sun is more direct and long enough to completely recharge the AGM batteries. Several days I ran the engine for 30 mins for needed boost. 2 AGM batteries, the larger is underneath the van exposed to outside temp, the smaller is underneath the passenger seat. Cold temp lessens storage power. Major demand comes from the heater.

Weak internet signal means no pics.

Enough, pleasant cup of sleep tea then snuggle under the covers.

Yesterday I drove back down to town for resupply of water, food and propane. I slept in Reid’s driveway. Propane source is closed on Sunday. I haul free filtered water a gallon at a time from Gearhead. Across the street is City Market for chain store groceries.

At present I am parked in that grocery store lot with 3 bar 4g connection and sort of catching up.

Bill and Susan from Tomichi cycle in Gunnison visited me out at Horsethief area for 2 nights of friendly connection. They rode their rides and I pedaled my own. Can’t keep up with the kids as they are of age could  be progeny.

I rode 3 rides out there. The first one was riding Chisholm down and back. For me great trail as it rides well in each direction. Sunshine and chill enough to switch to long underwear 2 layers and knickers. Still holey summer gloves. Elevations are 5,xxx’. Bill and Susan arrived afterwards. I have heat in my van that I shared with them as their warmth comes from layers and sleeping bags.

The second was Rodeo from camp spot. Trail is suggested directional which avoids widening from riders coming the other way. 10.3 miles climbing 709′ in 1 hr 38 mins. There are 2 spots that exceed my engine’s capacity causing me to walk. Steve knows of one of them.

The 3rd was a reconciliation between can and won’t. I chose a route from Trailforks that said it was the most downhill in the system here. I had ridden it before so I was knowledgeable of tech features and distance so I was able to ride it. The won’t was because it was for me a long ride. Sunday morning I drove down to Middle Earth TH for ride start. I addressed the won’t to pedal away. I pedaled  18.5 miles climbing 1588′ for 2 hrs 48 mins.

The chilly temps thin out the crowds as I share the trails with not enough to field a baseball team, basketball yes.

Last Monday I paid for shuttle to ride the Raptor Route.

All this riding is desert open to the sky. Tread is slickrock intermixed with either firm rolled sand or a sand pit.

Forecast temps are low 50s during riding with 20s in the dark. Some days and nights wind velocity lowers air temp to chilly. One night Bill, Susan, and I sat outside visiting in a stiff breeze. We lasted until core temps lowered. Later we warmed up in my van. Next day almost still air with same temp.

So today has been rest day in town day.  Zags play at 8 tonight, I could stay in town to watch at a bar or go back into desert and listen on XM.

Data as of Nov 13, 2024 I have covered 46,670 miles over 3,292 rides.

 

Internet sparce and weak.

Still able to touch the thoughts on the keyboard.

Highlight was riding the Raptor route newest trail Kestrel. Eagle Eye was closed because of wet from same storm I weathered at Fruita. Paid $30 shuttle.

Now out past Horsethief, 5688feet. Cold after dark, freezing.

Wrote what I needed to say.

Internet too trying for more.