With my nighttime construction ceasing at 3pm Saturday Morning, I was looking forward to sneaking in an hour of sleep prior to heading up and meeting with the Clear Creeks Recovery team. However, whilst walking to my apartment a rise of frustration came upon me with the discovery of an unidentified parked car in front of my garage (my pickup is inside.) With 24 units, I’m not keen to going and knocking door-to-door at the moment, but set it aside to get some shuteye.
4:30am came fast with the alarm clock demanding my attention. A quick look revealed the car was still parked errantly. I figured to give it ‘til departure. And that’s what it took, being gone when I finally left for the day.
The 2 ½ drive up to Clear Creek was becoming familiar, yet this was one trip I could not affort to miss, with DRNers volunteering their riding time to assist in the bike recovery.
I promply arrived at Oak Flat, followed by Farmer John and then Fremont guy. D36 was next to last (you’re doing better, friend); I transferred my gear to his vehicle and we left to meet up with the latter two.
When we met up with FJ & FG, they felt it prudent to ride back and find Jonala and NVRFNSH. Upon their return, FG jumped into D36’s 4WD, and the tree of us drove to the trailhead, with FJ leading the way.
>2 hours later we geared up and joined our appropriate ferry-man and engaged the trail.
Jonala did a fine job of negotiating ruts, standing water pools, up and down hills, all with this author aboard. Only twice in the 5 miles did he ask me to dismount; those two were very steep sections. At times I narrated the remarkable trail sections; the errant spur, spot of head and search light awareness, etc.
We stopped just before the abandoned bikes to retrieve my stashed tools and parts; I had shed these earlier to lighten my hiking load.
We beheld the abandoned bikes, with layers caked-on mud, packed into every conceivable corner of the bikes. 30 minutes of poking was needed to free and lubricate the rear wheel. Then it was kick time; it started right up on the second try! Jonala observed the chunks of mud coming off due to vibration.
Once recomposed, we headed even further down the trail to seek D36. What a difference a day makes! Traction galore; lofting the front wheel came readily – a stark contrast to last Sunday.
On our way back out I paused at a trail split, wanting to assure Jonala took the correct one. When looking down one can see footprints from our trek that fateful night. It reminded me I am a different person today because of it; am not sure how – just know it’s due to that precarious experience.
Back at the trail head D36 and I reloaded and drove back to the staging sites an tow vehicles; the others rode their bikes. For some reason we arrived ahead of the others; lacking a writing instrument to say we were OK and were moving on. I attempted to leave NVRFNSH a note but he and Jonala pulled in as I was writing.
I had to leave hastily as my construction project was to resume at 8pm at night, meaning I’d miss the celebratory dinner.
Each milestone of the day brought a new wave of relief, be it my early-morning departure, Clear Creek arrival, team greetings, trailhead parking, arriving at the abandoned bikes, heading home, and last but not least: pulling into the garage unencumbered.
And now: abandoned property fully restored!
A deep thanks goes to Jonala, Farmer John, and NVRFNSH for lending a hand. You guys sacrificed a good riding day to assist.
4:30am came fast with the alarm clock demanding my attention. A quick look revealed the car was still parked errantly. I figured to give it ‘til departure. And that’s what it took, being gone when I finally left for the day.
The 2 ½ drive up to Clear Creek was becoming familiar, yet this was one trip I could not affort to miss, with DRNers volunteering their riding time to assist in the bike recovery.
I promply arrived at Oak Flat, followed by Farmer John and then Fremont guy. D36 was next to last (you’re doing better, friend); I transferred my gear to his vehicle and we left to meet up with the latter two.
When we met up with FJ & FG, they felt it prudent to ride back and find Jonala and NVRFNSH. Upon their return, FG jumped into D36’s 4WD, and the tree of us drove to the trailhead, with FJ leading the way.
>2 hours later we geared up and joined our appropriate ferry-man and engaged the trail.
Jonala did a fine job of negotiating ruts, standing water pools, up and down hills, all with this author aboard. Only twice in the 5 miles did he ask me to dismount; those two were very steep sections. At times I narrated the remarkable trail sections; the errant spur, spot of head and search light awareness, etc.
We stopped just before the abandoned bikes to retrieve my stashed tools and parts; I had shed these earlier to lighten my hiking load.
We beheld the abandoned bikes, with layers caked-on mud, packed into every conceivable corner of the bikes. 30 minutes of poking was needed to free and lubricate the rear wheel. Then it was kick time; it started right up on the second try! Jonala observed the chunks of mud coming off due to vibration.
Once recomposed, we headed even further down the trail to seek D36. What a difference a day makes! Traction galore; lofting the front wheel came readily – a stark contrast to last Sunday.
On our way back out I paused at a trail split, wanting to assure Jonala took the correct one. When looking down one can see footprints from our trek that fateful night. It reminded me I am a different person today because of it; am not sure how – just know it’s due to that precarious experience.
Back at the trail head D36 and I reloaded and drove back to the staging sites an tow vehicles; the others rode their bikes. For some reason we arrived ahead of the others; lacking a writing instrument to say we were OK and were moving on. I attempted to leave NVRFNSH a note but he and Jonala pulled in as I was writing.
I had to leave hastily as my construction project was to resume at 8pm at night, meaning I’d miss the celebratory dinner.
Each milestone of the day brought a new wave of relief, be it my early-morning departure, Clear Creek arrival, team greetings, trailhead parking, arriving at the abandoned bikes, heading home, and last but not least: pulling into the garage unencumbered.
And now: abandoned property fully restored!
A deep thanks goes to Jonala, Farmer John, and NVRFNSH for lending a hand. You guys sacrificed a good riding day to assist.
