I love when an unmarked road goes right where you want it to. Even though it shows up on the satellite image however does not show up on google maps. Sometimes that is just part of the adventure. I did loose a little faith from my group. Not everyone is as adventurous as I am. Some people are more like hobbits:
“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.' I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
It all worked out. I suppose that is the disadvantage to tribal touring. The advantage is good company and safer touring, providing you are not with the ax murderer.
When touring to Burraston Ponds make sure you bring lots of water. There is no running water there. The ponds feed through underground water sources and people swim in the ponds. A good water filter works just fine. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited and the camping is free.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Surrounded by snow-peaked mountains Utah's wetlands are a sight to see with it's vast waterfowl species, minks, squirrels, wild ferrets, jumping fish and other treasures of the animal kingdom. Not to far from the city of Provo and in fact in Provo airport's back yard. Shutterbugs sometimes line up for a shot of the beautiful sunsets bouncing off of Utah Lake. Unmarked roads still keep the traffic to a minimum however an occasional car trickles through at a stop and go 5 mile an hour pace to enjoy the beauty which makes it extremely safe for bicycle touring.
With the highs approaching the 50 degree F (10 degree C) mark it is time to start getting serious about the 2014 bicycle touring calender. I am about to be reunited with a great riding companion, my son Tanner who has been on a 2 year mission in Pennsylvania. No time will be wasted, we head for California the day after he arrives home for a bicycle tour of Catalina Island. This April trip promises the sightings of the great American buffalo (Bison) and whale spouts from beautiful vistas and also enjoying some long time coming conversation wile gazing upon the other island scenery. I could taste the Island as I viewed it from afar during and tour not long ago. I have been itching to go ever sense then. You can see it here behind this rock:
Winter tours have been few and short, however the wild life has been abundant with the exception of homosapiens. Mule deer and wild turkeys seem to be a little less spooky in the winter months.
I will have a few local short tours before the Catalina Island trip with a new and youthful group of aspiring bicycle tourists. This is a chance for me to try out some new panniers and a new tent. I put some extra hours of work in this winter and went out and spent a little bit of my spoils. I can be quite frugal. I only spent $50 on some new panniers, $30 on a new tent, and $13 on some new lighting with a bracket ( I am very exited about this. 1600 lumen). I am anxious to see how it all performs and at sometime I may write a review of it all. My old equipment from the 1980s has a lot of memories tied to it and I will probably revert back to it on occasion and even loan it to an interested party. It is still in good shape and the tent is bigger and folds up smaller than the new one. As you can see I am already evaluating and comparing it all.
Happy trails in 2014:
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!
Watch out for goat heads!
Some of my new touring friends. We made atlatls over the camp fire and we will be touring in a few weeks.
We finally got passed some big storms hear in Utah. It was nice to get a California break and it is also good to be back. The trails are empty and good to ride. Dress warm and go. You can only plan future rides for so long.
Even the animals are aware the are no people on the trail.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Escape to California
Wile reaching sometimes below zero weather, far to early in the season, it became expedient for me to take an early trip to California. Visiting with family members and a 30 mile coastal bike ride would do the trick. It doesn't take long for me to get cabin fever, so after pulling out the two middle seats of the minivan we tossed in the bikes and a small bag of necessities and drove for 10 hours to southern California. The beach bike paths are often crowded with walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers and anything else the imagination can conjure. Don't expect a fast ride. However, the views are amazing and the winter breezes have cleared out the smog. Catalina Island can be seen from every beach. The day ended with a sunset photo shoot on Laguna Beach. It was breathtaking!
Tower 68 Huntington Beach
Laguna Beach
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Growing up in California makes spring fever come early for me even though I have lived here in Utah for 17 years. Wile those around me are prepping there snow boards and can hardly wait for the next snow storm, I am doing the opposite. I am always looking for the break in the storm so I can take a ride on the awesomely lonely trails this time of the year. Soon The west desert will be the last frontier for biking in the frozen state for a season. But not today: Even with the days growing shorter, quiet trails leading to peaceful sunsets are all mine.
