Bloated Skiing: October 2018

Oct. 17, 2018 Miller Peak Loop

Always a favorite ride. Took John Misuradze with me and got in a good ride. Trail conditions were great overall. Ride took a little longer with John. It's full concentration for like 80 percent of the ride. Lack of concentration could involve falling down a hillside that was extremely steep. While the riding wasn't as technical as my last loop in the Teanaway, the consequences of making a mistake could be quite high. I noticed on Iron Bear trail that my rear brake was disappearing. I took a quick look and did not see any issues. I rode down Iron Bear a little more slowly with front brake only. At the Miller peak trailhead, I adjusted the rear brake and it seemed okay. It wasn't till the end of our loop that the brakes faded away again. Looks like lack of brake fluid change was resulting in the brake fluid overheating and the rear brake not functioning. I went light with the rear and managed to keep the heat down. Beautiful ride, took us about four and half hours.

Teanaway ridge trail

Final ridge line to the summit

John near the summit 6'400 feet. Fuel injected bike that John
just set on ground for no better place to park. He was at his summit.

Heading down, Miller Peak in the background

Last big hill climb of the day

October 8, Sun Mountain, New Trails!

Hooked up with Don and Val Hecker to get a tour of the new trails built this summer at Sun Mountain in Winthrop, Wa. Both Don and Val had volunteered time working on the two new trails. From Chikadee parking lot there is now great trail that climbs up to the ridge. Previously getting that high involved taking the gravel road. We started on Criss-Cross then headed up and West on a new trail that hasn't been completed. It's in great shape though and looking forward to it's completion. Good out and back. Then we caught the new, this spring, trail up to Pete's Dragon. From there it was all downhill. Great new trails and fun to hook up with the Heckers.