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| East end of Causey, Kamp Keisel Entrance |
A different kind of autumn riding
Autumn always has been my favorite time of most any year. Going back many years, generally after the football season and a long summer of working to store up enough money for the school-year, there was always some time for hunting and enjoying the change of the seasons. Seems that as I have gotten older, I get some of my best dirt riding in during this period. So many other things have changed as to keep me from the other things I used to be passionate about, but somehow I still get some riding into the schedule. After that wet ride earlier in the week, I really needed a longer - more taxing trek somewhere else. Causey is about 50-miles round trip from my garage. On the road bike, it typically is somewhere in the three hour range - depending on traffic in South Fork Canyon. The hardtail isn't nearly as fast as the Six-13, but does offer a nice break from the usual. I normally don't go up there after LOTOJA, as I tend not to get back on the road bike until the following spring. The hardtail is nice in that I can roll off and onto tarmac (asphalt) and dirt without any concerns. When on the road bike, I stop at the top of the oil, about a mile from Keisel, as that dirt section would be hell with those skinny tires. Gotta admit, it seemed to call me that morning when I was deciding where I would ride. I took a few detours into areas that had been closed for the year, where I found some very nice, quiet pedaling - all on dirt. Still my favorite time of the year, it's just not that same with more responsibilities that I had in my youth.
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| Same place different day..... |
Amazing what a couple days can do...
After that ride to Causey on Thursday, my better half wanted to do a little ride Friday morning after the kids hopped on the school bus. Still pretty cool when we left the house about 8:45, but it turned out to be a very nice day well before we got out to the point. Of course they have that all closed off to motor vehicle traffic - which is okay by me. Still, Fridays are just way busy with road traffic in the valley anymore. Add to that, all the construction and the event that was going on up in North Fork, well...getting home was not the best ride, but beats riding in town for sure! Trying to maintain a base level of fitness is critical for the off-season, but it can also lead to burn-out. Keeping it real, but enjoyable is a trick. Admittedly, the hardtail has given me options that are making it more enjoyable. There is getting to be so much traffic in North Fork Park, that it just isn't nearly as fun as it used to be. Given the unpredictable weather of the autumn, the hardtail will make it easier to stay into the meaningful rides - longer into the year. The cold doesn't bother me as much as slick roads and greasy trails. It's gonna be a great autumn - until we go back to see the doctor....
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| The trusty full-sus out again |
More Cowbell????
Sometimes it's good to take the less than serious side of life for a while. Taking the full-sus out for what I hoped to be a easy ride to the top of the "mule" didn't pan out tonight. Turns out she needs a little love and attention. I need to take it completely apart and service everything on that bike. Making little tweaks here and there only get you by so long (as is always the case with everything in life). Two or three hours on the bike-stand, maybe a new chain and a complete brake service - she'll be ready for a little more cowbell. Speaking of beating on the bell and things not as serious, it sounds like the Daredevils are coming to Park City next year. That is definitely something that would be worth the price of admission - leaving everything serious at the door. Meanwhile, lets get a few things out of the way this week and see what we can do with opportunities.
Who knocked off who? The Heads or the Daredevils....
Still Pulling for Reed! Enjoy the ride whilst you can........
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