The Mobius Trip

[Tall Mike]

Dr. Rock said:

Never saw it, just heard it. It was under a rock ledge / prolly in a hole. Didn't have my camera. Wasn't gonna stick around, or go back. Thanked my lucky stars.

An extra good reason to pop out the ear buds and be listening when you walk around in the brush... Some of nature's critters are territorial! (Watch out there City Slickers! )

[DR. Rock]

Originally Posted by Tall Mike

Dr. Rock said:
An extra good reason to pop out the ear buds and be listening when you walk around in the city... Some of gotham's critters are territorial! (Watch out there City mice! )

fixed.

[DR. Rock]

We woke up early, and were really taken with the morning light,





again, Valley + desert + morning =



It was great to be back in the high plains, desert. We had reconciled the fact that we weren't going to be able to complete all the tour of Idaho trail that we'd routed, and we were getting a little beat up chasing down the challenge points. At the same time, we were excited to be riding new terrain. I especially love cruising desert 2-track -- huge sightlines to the horizon means 4-5th gear instead of 2-3rd.

With no showers for a few days, and Chalis just up the road from the campground, we were tempted to shortcut there for hot coffee and breakfast, instead of backtracking a half mile towards Morgan Summit, and picking up the TID trail. In the end, we took the hard way, but with the understanding that any HINT of "red" trail (even if it was labeled "blue" or "green") and we'd bail.



this was also the day we grabbed the Twin Peaks challenge point (sort of), which was the highest elevation of M8, and took our holiday card photo there.

[DR. Rock]

while waiting for the sun to dry our gear and warm us up.





we eventually realized we were just gonna have to ride out of the shade.



A short stretch up the main road,



we caught this cut-off that put us back on the TID route -- a nice blue section.

[DR. Rock]

of that section, we could almost see the ocean.



What a way to start your day!





These were some fantastic tracks. I love riding this terrain. It's my favorite.



Coasting:

[DR. Rock]

we had a decision to make. Right to an out-and-back up to Twin Peaks Lookout (rated green (!)) for the treasure-box challenge point, or left, straight to Challis.



Such a nice day... easy riding blue so far... I bet it's a great view up there... and it's only rated green(!)...



We went right.



Past some cool rock formations,



through a ranch,



and up and up and up.



LDF was a bit reluctant, and remained skeptical that this wasn't going to turn into a quagmire.

[DR. Rock]

of where we were headed... see at the top there?



zoomed way in and cropped:



a little closer:

[DR. Rock]

was starting to get narrower, and more rutted the higher we climbed. I think this sign freaked Francine out a little.



The temps were getting warm, and my bike was overheating. I still had radiator concerns, though it didn't seem to be leaking.



Going in and out of the treeline, on such a clear day, with such distant views to the horizon was disorienting. Keeping your focus on the terrain in front of your front wheel, once you lost the trees in your peripheral vision you lost perspective and a sense of speed. If you kept your head up and looked at the horizon, you'd just get dizzy and feel like you were going to need a parachute.



We'd stop every few switchbacks to catch our breath,



take a few pictures,



and let my bike cool down.

[La Donna Fugata]

Originally Posted by DR. Rock

was starting to get narrower, and more rutted the higher we climbed. I think this sign freaked Francine out a little.



.

This sign did indeed set the tone in my head. In retrospect I wish I would have just ignored it. Not sure that would have made a difference though.

[DR. Rock]

emerged completely from the treeline. It steepened considerably, had big rocks interspersed with loose gravel and ruts. It had fully transitioned from green to blue to screaming neon RED. Meanwhile, at the same time that I was struggling with my engine overheating, I was trying to gauge how much further we had to the top. The GPS was showing 3 more switchbacks, but three switchbacks later, it was clear we had a ways to go.



We were communicating on and off with the Scala's. LDF would express fear , swear , say she couldn't go any further , and then ride on . No different from HUNDREDS of other challenging sections we've ridden.

I take full responsibility for what happened next. Initially the following video was banned from the ride report. But if adventure is merely adversity warmly remembered, it seems that enough time has passed that it can now be filed under "we'll laugh about this someday." LDF's only request is that she can issue a disclaimer before it is posted.

[Lil' Steve]

Originally Posted by DR. Rock

I take full responsibility for what happened next. Initially the following video was banned from the ride report. But if adventure is merely adversity warmly remembered, it seems that enough time has passed that it can now be filed under "we'll laugh about this someday." LDF's only request is that she can issue a disclaimer before it is posted.

[La Donna Fugata]

This is not pretty.....

My immediate reaction was to confiscate the video cam but in retrospect it is pretty funny. I'm glad I can still laugh at myself..... and carry on.

[Klay]

[Questor]

Oh.. the drama!

I can't wait.

Q~

[La Donna Fugata]

Originally Posted by Questor

Oh.. the drama!

I can't wait.

Q~

lol Exactly Q.