riding into June and the beginning of summer

[Sky King]

We live in a mixed use neighborhood and the owner of the complex has a food truck rally 4 times a year. I don't mind food truck rally's but really needed a people break so on a "lark" we decided to do an S24O Friday night. Left the shop at 6pm and rode 14 miles. Now 14 miles isn't that far unless it involves over 3,000 feet of elevation gain on a loaded bike! I was experimenting with load so went with heavy in the front and light in the back, I didn't like that for climbing. Notice we stopped at the brewery at the bottom of the climb to grab a growler (which I carried) so once we found a wonderful, isolated spot to hang the hammocks we enjoyed our beer and pre-cooked dinner. Had a beautiful view of Boise as well. Saturday morning we were up with the birds, drank some coffee and then a quick descent back to town. We were home by 9am. Quite a satisfying little "stay-cation"

[north woods gal]

Love the view. As I mentioned, before, we lived in Boise for a short time own the late 70s. Loved that dry air and the way the temp would drop in the evening, even on the hottest days. Ah, those wide open spaces. Do miss them.

[emily_in_nc]

That sounds like a blast, Sky King -- everything except the 3000' elevation gain, at least! But what a view.

When we did our self-supported tour in upstate NY way back in 2004, we carried more weight in our front panniers, as recommended on various websites. This was a very hilly tour, and I thought the bikes handled much better this way than with more weight on the rear, especially downhill. Heavier in the rear (as we'd tried before) resulted in squirrelier handling in the front end and more shimmy on descents. These were our Bike Fridays with light front ends and 20" tires, so that might have made some difference.

[rebeccaC]

I was experimenting with load so went with heavy in the front and light in the back, I didn't like that for climbing.

Sky....thinking low trail front loading randonneuring has been around for awhile….my older than me 650 rene herse at home in france handles well with front loading.
For me when touring on my Waterford, when climbing or when descending on a dirt road I actually like more front loading. I mostly rear load on it though for overall quicker steering adjustments when needed on pavement and because of the geometry of the bike....thinking there is a certain amount of just adjusting our riding technique to loads too though.

…..and hammocks ftw ….have you seen Tentsile?

Emily…yeah certain geometries and tire size can make front loading much better.


Did my favorite oxnard climb on my way home today. The wild geraniums have faded and now wild flowers are filling the other side of the road (lots of cosmos and california poppies) and lemons are ripening on the trees. I talked to the owner of the land when I first found the road to get permission to occasionally ride it. She is a very kind older woman who has also told me wonderful stories about her life growing up in the area. She also gave me permission to take some lemons when they were ready to pick.

Lemon bars tonight ftw!!!!!....

[north woods gal]

We don't have lemon trees, up here, but I've been carefully watching some wild blueberry and strawberry patches along a couple my bike routes, waiting for them to ripen. Will trade you some berries for some lemons.

[emily_in_nc]

Glorious photos, rebecca! And one of my very fave desserts ever. Lucky, lucky you!

[north woods gal]

Did a 42 mile loop, today. Saw a Ruffed Grouse sitting by the road, right on the side of the road, so circled back for a better look. Got very close and saw it was a hen with chicks, so I carefully backed away and just enjoyed the view.

Half mile down the road from that very spot, saw something big and black moving though the brush making its way out onto the road. Sure enough, big black bear. It crossed the road about 50 yards in front of me and went on its way. Don't think it even saw me. Nevertheless, I waited a bit than pedaled VERY quickly past the spot.

No camera, of course. Still, made a great ride all that much better. Life is good in my north woods.