Computer didn’t like my opening paragraphs. Words written were mostly greater than 4 letters.
Anyway, A chance to change my story more favorable to me. Well that happens no matter what. Pleasure of being the author.
Tuesday was my South Fork of Tumalo Creek descent then earn the speed by pedaling back out. Started right from breakfast spot. As I was cleaning the kitchen of breakfast a utility van pulled in and let out a gaggle of DOC men who spent chore hours making slash piles. Intersting: a pile is built up with the brush in same direction, a chain saw guy squares off the ends and throws the trim back on the pile. Scattered piles and just mass amounts of slash.
Oh, now the ride. Pedal out an old haul road to trail start. Lodge pole pine forest up top decimated by feller buncher harvest. Trail drops in right behind the reclaimed shelter and into Bend’s watershed. Deep tree cover with no logging. By myself. 3 miles drops 918′. Gentle enough to pedal up. Just enough tech opportunities for smiles. Route continues down Tumalo Creek which is about the width of a Jeep with several short pitches for flat out scream. Kept my attention focused down trail to look out for uphillers. Then pay back as the trail becomes a climbing single track. It goes thru patches of snowbrush which some were decimated by the California tortoiseshell butterflies from 2 years ago. Saw several adults flitting around. Springtime insects chase after the good stuff. Up top snowbrush bordered the trail. 3 years ago I and others cut back the trail encroachers. Today the new shoots from the root ball are the trail narrowing shoots.
Next is the 18 minute pedal on another haul road. Today as in the past I took a vape break before the start. Kept track of the time: still 18 mins. Perhaps the pot buzz numbs me as the pedal has lost its sting. At the shelter I took the SST back which is a deep woods single track. Finish going downhill on ist road climb. Scream. 15.3 miles climbing 1644′ pedaling for 2 hrs 4 mins.
Back at the van the DOC guys were still piling slash. The breeze was strong enough to keep mosquitoes grounded. Decided I had what I had to make it for another night. Early evening mosquitoes did find me. I don’t react to her saliva by making itching bumps. Chilly enough to enjoy the furnace.
On Wed I planned on riding South fork again then climbing up to Mrazek etc. Great plans can be created absent reality. I didn’t feel up to snuff to tackle this big ride plus I didn’t want to OD on South fork. I made a ride around Swampy Lake.
No work crew today. Chilly. Furnace still has an issue but will produce desired heat.
Today was a I don’t feel like riding day. I moved laundry to the first chore at the laundromat on east side of town. Bought a new book from Dudley’s in town. I buy a book, read it, then return to store to give the book back and accept credit towards another book. Tom’s a good guy, independent book store.
Another camper scored my favorite Phils spot. Plan B is out just off Marvin’s where Nicole fell. Windy and chilly, wool shirt and shorts: needed additional layer for comfort.