Bike: REI Co-OP Adv 2.3 Gravel Bike
Miles: 40.09
Start Time 12:49 PM
Moving Time: 3:25:01
Elevation: 1273
Avg Spd: 11.7

Temp Out: 78
Temp In: 61

Avg HR: 113
Max HR: 133

Above, at the Airport. A Beautiful Beechcraft King Air. A Rare Sight at the Little Used 29 Palms Airport.

I started with the intent to do a loop of about 21 miles to the airport and return. On the way back to town it was going well so I decided to stop at the JTNP HQ and fill my water bottles and attempt to add a loop to the west to Lear Road with a return via Pole Line and Indian Trail Roads. I had several bail out points fixed in my mind in case I decided the addition was too much. Any of them would have limited the ride to about 25 miles max. Once I went over the summit on 2 Mile beyond Encillia my fate was sealed. I was committed to continue. It was easier to finish the loop than to climb back up the grade on 2 Mile Road.

Above, a Beautiful Afternoon at JTNP HQ

I considered rerturning directly on Indian Trail from Lear Road. Lear and Indian Trail are the truck and primary backroad car route to the Marine base main gate from the west. There was enough fast traffic on Lear to convince me to continue north on Lear to Pole Line Road which leads to a lesser used base gate on Morongo Road. The traffic beyond Indian Trail was decent until I got back onto Indain Trail at the Morongo Road intersection. The remainder of the ride home was busy, especially Mesquite Springs Road. I obviously survived but had some uncomfortable moments with vehicles passing me too closely. Too many are willing to risk killing me to avoid pulling over or slowing down for a few seconds to wait for oncoming trafffic to pass. Some probably think that I have no business riding on "their" roads. The law is on my side but will not help if I am dead.

Above, the Church at 2 Mile and Sunrise Roads and the Junction of Pole Line and Morongo Roads with the Marine Base in the Background

This is my first ride of more than 35 miles since Febraury of 2016. It has taken me well over a year to grind myself back into shape to ride this far. I am pleased with the progress.

As for the gravel bike. I bought it in hopes that it could be my all around and only bike, road and off road. The gravel bike is almost 10 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the carbon road bike I gave my oldest grandson as soon as I got the new bike. At first I was unhappy with the extra weight and larger 40mm tires. I bought a set of carbon wheels and fitted them with 25mm tires. This helped somewhat. Over the few months I have owned the bike I have learned to love it. I recently discovered that the factory wheels and tires work well on the road if I overinflate the tires slightly. I did two dirt road rides in the mountains near Yosemite during Thanksgiving week and the bike worked very well. The gearing is low enough for all but the steepest climbs and the larger tires handle soft dirt well. This may not be a single track trail mountain bike but it is certainly more than adequate for pavement and most dirt/gravel roads.

Walk with Daniel in Yosemite Valley

A very nice day to walk in Yosemite Valley. The crowds were very light perphaps because of a fire well outside the park which the media has represented as being "near Yosemite".

Yosemite Falls on 5/01/2021 and 7/15/2011:

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Random photos of the day:

Bike: Nashbar Frame Touring Bike (stripped)
Miles: 18.85
Start Time 2:50
Moving Time: 2:28:12
Elevation: 577
Avg Spd: 10.0

Temp Out: 70
Temp In: 70

Avg HR: NA
Max HR: NA

A relaxed and enjoyable ride on a beautiful nearly spring afternoon using my touring bike stripped of racks and fenders. The average speed is low but it is OK, I traded speed for duration and disposed of almost 1K calories. When I left home I did not intend to go so far but took a second water bottle just in case. I am glad I did.

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Native plants at JTNP HQ look healthy:

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Tortoise Rock Casino and namesake:

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A beautiful afternoon at Knott's Sky Park:

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A very nifty van setup parked at Knott's Sky Park: