Yesterday, July 8, in Bend city proper the temp hit 102 degrees as I drove out and away and up from the city to Swampy Trailhead at 5810’ elevation where it was balmy 91 degrees. Nature goosed the throttle raising the temp to 101 then earth rotation started chilling to 63 at bedtime of 9:42. This morning at 6:37 a chilly 49 degrees awaited me. Able to sleep between bouts of scratching on the wound care wrap around my left calf. Today forecast high is 103, I am staying the night up here.

SO, hot, dry, dusty, and LOOSE. Finally acknowledging the looseness on the tread. Pumice sand lacking moisture to bind the clay molecules to the grains that bike tires move around makes for sand puddles. Pedaling over the bog is a bit unnerving as front and rear wheels have different tracking ideas. Pick a focus point out the way for reference, pedal in a bigger gear, while keeping balance on the XYZ. I have been riding the trails up here at Swampy just after the snow melted out with no rain, I believe that the puddles have become deeper and now more frequent. Sucks energy pedaling on the loose.

I seemed to be adversely affected by this heat. I started pedaling about 9 this morning from Swampy already feeling heat. However, at finish time of 11 temp had only reached 82. Presently at 3:15 it is just 88. Back a bunch of years ago I went into heat stroke as I finished riding a piece of the NUT. I went into convulsions and only saved by 2 campers who heard my cry for help and drug me to the Umpqua River. They lowered me into the chilly water, I went from convulsing to shivering in a short while. Perhaps my cooling system or perception of temp was reset. As people age(me) the body becomes less tolerant of high temps.

I like riding the trails up here out of Swampy as fewer riders venture this far out of town which lessens impact to trails making them a little more rugged. And certainly more backcountry. Today’s ride stayed high climbing Ridge right from start up to Flagline Tie, that is snow free, to Lower Flagline. On Flagline dirt work created soft dirt spots at their drain work. Disturbing dry dirt means unpacked tread. I switch on my clanger bell for notifying my presence. Rode around Swampy to catch up to Ridge. This climb takes about 10 mins. This year I stopped for several blows where last year I pedaled nonstop. Once back on Ridge geography tilts downwards for no pedaling mileage. So much fun, riding is like driving a performing sports car on a twisty road. 9.34 miles climbing 991’ pedaled for 1 hr 19 mins, average heart rate was 113.

Yesterday was another wound care session. The PA-C says that the ulcer is healing. Last Thurs he wrapped chemicals over the ulcer with crinkle tape. He said wrapping might make putting a shoe on too tight. I so wanted to ride the next day. That morning I widened my shoe then slid my foot inside. Squeeze fir enough to ride.

Last Sat morn I rode the bus from Welcome Center up to Swampy for ride start. Highlight was descent of South Fork. Climbed Skyliner, descended piece of Storm King, finished on Ticket to Ride canyon. Hot, 96 degrees. At the van I put the oral thermometer under my tongue, dinger went off, it read 102.3 degrees. Overheated. Outside spigot at the WC provided source of well water cooling.  The thermometer is located near the roof of the sun heated van which was prolly that temp. I put the thermometer in the fridge for a short time for chilling. Back under my tongue to read 97.3. I was fine.

I enjoyed 2 separate conversations with Woody and Bruce about our similar ages and how we are connected to current mountain biking. The FS is proposing M-Bikes on trails out of Phil’s TH. None of us are a proponent of opening trails to motorized bikes. We are being aged out as younger and less wisdom people are pulling for legally allowing what is not being enforced. COTA position is to allow them. Seems some of us older riders are adjusting to reduced aerobic performance and place a hex on motorized propulsion. We ride slower, take more blows, and ride shorter distances but propelled by our body.

Yesterday I gave the van and keys to Import Performance in Bend to remove worn and replace with store bought parts for the front end of van. They kept it overnight to complete work. I picked it up this morning. After settling up and returning the loaner rig’s key i drove away. Immediately I noticed the steering wheel required more muscle effort to turn. Shop replaced ball joints and tie rods and a spring which were well worn. I was aware of somewhat sloppy steering and suspension clunking. New parts tightened up the whole front end. They also inspected the van for whatever which came up healthy report. New front end this year, 2 years ago a new transmission. Van is solid. Diesel is more money that I choose to spend for long distance road tripping.

Shop loaned me a Honda crv with fewer bells and whistles than previous BMW or pickup truck that i couldn’t make transmission work. I had all day yesterday outside of my van to occupy time. I drove down to High Desert Museum for another visit. Very popular place. A FS ranger station building is on site. I walked over to visit and learn whatever. A volunteer worker there, 81 yo, told of story of building. Back in 60s he worked for the FS out of this building on the Toiynbe(?) NF in CA. He was a backcountry ranger and also on fire crews. We shared common experiences and shared experiences.

Last night I did not have my van for living. I could have motel camped for a fee or I could sleep on the ground in the forest. I chose the later. Dinner at posh mexican restaurant lubricated by a signature Margarita to consume daylight. I drove out to where I have been staying in my van, this time I carried my sleeping system out into the forest. Dirt here is pumice which is loose and soft. I selected a spot and pitched my tent.

It’s 1 person tiny. Body flexibility helps moving around inside, I lack. I sat in my Therm-o-rest chair reading into the twilight until feeding mosquitoes drove me inside. I slept OK. 6Am wake up time for teardown and packing up for drive to town seeking restaurant for bfast. Condensation wetted my gear overnight which needed to be dried before I reburied the stuff deep in my van.

Today I am in Redmond to revisit with vein care giver to learn cause of ulcer that he says is not venous. He prescribed low dose oxy for sleeping which mostly blocked out the pain.

On Sunday I rode another big ride of 19.1 miles climbing 1644′ pedaling for 2 hrs 35 mins, average bpm was 115. Trails on ride are below snow. Just fun trails to ride and no crowds, several of the entire trails I rode were devoid of anybody to share with.

I am thinking of an Oakridge visit this weekend. I am around Bend area until fix is in on wound.

Wed morn the odor of forest fire smoke greeted my nose when I opened the side door at wake up. Hmm, check of air quality is necessary. Slow internet speed accessed an air quality site. Harmful. Where is fire? World is at your finger tips if you have internet reception, stronger signal is always better. Map showed localized to Bend area. I checked nearby Sisters air learning all was green. Destination: Peterson Ridge trails outside Sisters.

A full on trailhead facility is what I drove onto. New to me. Before maybe 3 cars at TH, rest along residential street. Public. Peterson ridge system is 2 mostly parallel trails with numerous ladder rungs connecting. All previous rides were west up east down which I would duplicate. A local rider finished his ride next to me. We met thru a 3rd party. He concurred with route. Sisters is a little drier than Bend, the forest cover was Ppine and tall junipers. Mostly open. Trail climbs mostly to last connection to east down. Stopped at a vista point to view the Three Sisters from, what, the NE? Slow internet won’t load a pic. Anyway, the view of S sisters is snow on top, see a snow finger coming towards you, see a gap, that’s the bergschrund, then smooth snow down. I skied that line on telemark skis and leather boots back in maybe 1997.

Separate horse trail went is same direction. Last rung was descend point, trail down was less exciting than climb, however there were several rock gardens to stay upright over. Arrived at van unscathed. Changed clothes then drove back to Bend.

Oh, source of smoke came from a current 3,000+ acre fire just outside La Pine on the other side of US 97, Video showed fire started from a campsite. Rapidly blew up, Thurs high winds drove it into the forest. I am well aware of potential fire at my house site.

The wound care provider called to schedule my appointment. Score for Thurs at 8AM. PA examined leg, remarked weak pulse and cold indicating an artery issue. Now another ultrasound session focused on artery.

Next was dentist appointment. Teeth cleaned and examined. No further expense.

Laundry at the Bend location.

Temp outside was 30 degrees at 6 AM. I started the heater during the night. Sun warmth needs time, I started today’s rdie about 10, themp was 61, comfortable, but slightly chilly for short sleeve jersey. Solar gain favored the short sleeves.

8:47PM, side door open invite for several mosquitoes, temp is 68.