Whew! Clearly, nicer weather and staying close to home over a holiday weekend means I get to ride more. The biggest problem with that is I barely have enough time to get a blog entry done. Since it’s already Tuesday afternoon while I’m writing this and I have a week + to talk about, I’m going to keep it short this time. But, I have extra pictures…..BONUS!!
Tuesday, a small group of us did a road ride around the valley, highlighted by Jacob introducing us to a semi-secret canal trail outside Phoenix that none of us had been on before.
A storm hugging the east side of the valley made for some dramatic photos.
As usual, Wednesday found me amongst my good buds enjoying some Cycle Analysis goodness on John’s Peak. It was so fun, I didn’t even stop for any pics. That’s ok. There’s plenty more from the rest of the week….
For instance, Saturday. That’s when Shawn and I tackled the Salmon River Loop. 100 miles and just short of 10,000 feet of climbing. Needless to say, it was a doozy.
Finally reaching the top of the first climb, Carter Mountain. If only it had been the last.
The views along the Salmon River are truly amazing.
As always, the Masi Evoluzione performed like a champ!
Talk about the middle of nowhere. Forks of Salmon would qualify. It was literally in the middle of our ride….and nowhere.
However, Shawn did find a buddy that would listen to him while he enjoyed a cold soda there.
While we were afraid to drink out of the spigot at the fire station 70 or so miles in, we happily soaked ourselves in the cool water. (Not shown. Trust me, there’s a spigot just to the left…)
Eventually, as we were running out of water and it was about 90 degrees, we remembered Shawn had brought his filtering straw. Yes, Shawn, let’s drink out of that trough.
We really did. It didn’t taste bad either and I’m still alive!
After already climbing for an hour up the final ascent, we were drinking out of every stream we found. We also took advantage of water temps in the 40s to cool our overheated feet.
We finally reached the Etna Summit after a punishing final 2.5 miles of climbing 12-15% grades.
That was a great, if painful, day. I love those kinds of rides. They’re what I live for. As long as I keep living while doing them.
The next day was an Applegate Lake loop with my good friend Robert. The Memorial Day crowd was out in force all the way around the lake. Even the wildlife got out and enjoyed the day.
Robert showing me how not to crash.
I rode right past this guy and didn’t even look at him until Robert told me I had almost ran over it. Yep, he has a rattle.
Sunday, I met up with a couple more good friends and made a new one. The Greensprings Inn served as home base for an adventure along the canals that bring water from the mountain reservoir to the Rogue Valley (I think. Don’t quote me on that.)
These hoodlums don’t worry about rules. They’re above the law.
I had to get a pic of local celebrity, Dan Bittick. Not sure if you know it or not, but he broke his femur. Maybe you’ve heard his story. Every morning on TV. Every. Morning. I love you, Dan.
So many cool things about this ride. I strongly recommend it.
It was a perfect day for riding and the perfect way to end a sweet week of riding.
I love weeks like that. They remind me how lucky I am to live where I live and to have such badass people in my life. Thanks to all of you that made last week so awesome. You know who you are. I hope you guys had as much fun as I did!
Local cyclist, crazy mofo, and good-natured masochist, Aaron Mock, is a Team Cycle Analysis rider with a penchant for taking the road less traveled. Sometimes, that isn't the best choice. Follow his weekly blog series for the latest on his never-ending escapades and exploits!
