Week in Review .. a Week to Renew

Skip showed up late Sunday night and he and I damn near welcomed daylight getting caught up. I believe it was 5 AM when we finally shut down.

Monday was spent playing with the tractor and a chainsaw. I had started a trail through the property early last fall, but the project was short-lived. I didn't think the chainsaw I had would take down a tree that laid across the path I was trying to blaze.

Skip made short work of that tree. The path needs to be about 8' wide so I can get the tractor through. Where the path crosses this tree was about 15' from the roots and had branched out by this point. There were quite a few branches to cut down to forge a path. Most being about 15" + in diameter.

We finished up before daylight expired and retired to the house to fix up dinner and sip a few excellent beers. This is how the rest of the night went -- although we didn't come close to 5 AM this time!

Tuesday's agenda was to spoon a rear and front tire on the KLR then head over to Asheville to hit a beer store. Like we needed more beer! Meh! you can never have too much beer!    ; )

The front tire came off rather easily, but we were struggling to get the valve tube inserted in place. After a quick look on the internet, we found a clue to make it easier. If you inflate the tire a little bit, it will help provide enough stiffness that it will go into the hole easier (I TRIED to find a NON-sexual way to word that, but failed so went back to this).  Besides the easier insertion, if it is aired a bit, it is less likely to get pinched as you slip on the rubber. (okay, that's all the sex references)

The rear tire also came off rather easily. Having searched the web earlier, we also found what seemed an easier approach to mounting, so the installation of the tire went easier than the front tire did. After the tires were mounted on the wheels and the wheels back on the bike, we headed towards Asheville.

We managed to find both places we were going to without complication, which is a feat for me. I have never been to Asheville when I didn't get misdirected at some point. Once the beer was obtained, we were headed back to the house to .... drink more beer!    ; )

Wednesday's forecast was for clear skies and 50* temperatures. It's time to see what these tires can do. They are billed as a 60/40 (60% on-road and 40% off-road) tire.

We are cruising along TN-32 which is an immensely fun stretch of freshly paved road that eventually turns to gravel. However, there were many white patches within the curves and IN the lane of travel. They looked like salt, but when you get closer sometimes it was salt, sometimes it was just discolored pavement (maybe from salt).

I had a problem distinguishing between the two and took a more cautious approach. Hey! I've crashed *enough*! ... and I'm with Skip, so we are doubling our chances for something to happen.

From there it would be forest roads and goat paths. The tires did fine on the asphalt. Although, off-road ... they were less successful. They are not knobbies and the KLR is a heavy, sluggish pig. Those two factors added together can be limiting.

We came to a trail and took it. We were scooting along fine until we came across this.

The picture doesn't do the steepness of the hill justice, nor can you see how rocky it is about halfway up.

Skip was able to take his KLX right up it without issue. I got stuck about 3/4 of the way up. I turned around and headed back down as I was getting no traction in the rocky/muddy substrate that halted my progress.

After getting back down and catching a breath, I decided to give it another go. I got to about the same spot, hit the same rock, and got the same result.

I turned back around again, and Skip suggested we abandon this trail and go find another. I was willing to try or to let him and see if it was just the rider, but he insisted we go find somewhere else to explore. So, that's what we did.

It didn't take too long to find another path and we are getting along it rather well. We get to the crest of a hill and it starts a long, steady descent. The trail is not super slick but it is a little "soft". Skip asks "Do you think you can get back up this if we have to?"

Since there was no rock to slow me down, I tell him I may throw it down, but believe I can get back up. Cool! off we go!

We followed this trail until we had no alternative but to turn around. There were logs (well, okay, a fallen tree or two) strewn across the path and there was no visible way around them ... at least not for my bike and it's limitations (not to mention the rider's limitations).

It's hard to see, but the sign down there by the highway is the "Tennessee Welcomes You" sign on westbound I-40

We hung out here briefly and chatted and then it was decided turning back would be our best option.





When we took off, Skip told me to take the lead. The logic was that if he had to help, then he was behind me and wouldn't have to come back down, just to go back up. I think he just wanted to see me throw my bike on the ground. Being the obliging fool that I am, that is just what I did.

The very first "whoop" I came to, I managed to drop it ... HARD! I am not sure how I did it.

I recall putting my feet down because I hadn't carried enough momentum to counter the muck. It was thicker than I had planned. I had my feet down. the bike started to tip, I had saved it, then ... BAM! down me and the bike go.

I couldn't get it righted being on an incline, so Skip had to help me. We decide we will see how much is rider and how much is bike by switching rides.

HOLY CRAP! I jumped on his bike and just eased on up the hill. If I needed to power through, it was there, ready and able. His KLX is so much lighter and more nimble than that pig of a KLR is. Riding up that hill was ... effortless!

I got up there much quicker than he did so brought out the camera and got a few shots of him coming up the hill ...

Again the picture doesn't do the slope justice

We kept on trying to find new territory to explore that the KLR and I could handle. Once again, a short piece down the "road" we found more. We came to an old homesite with nothing but the chimney remaining and stopped once again.

The sun (hidden by clouds now) was getting low on the horizon. We needed to come up with an "exit strategy" to find pavement before it got dark.

On our way back to "civilization" we found this little roadside waterfall. 

We stopped and Skip played with the camera for a bit. 

Skip called it Smiley Falls ... here's why ...

Just hangin' out while Skip plays with the camera

This road put us back on TN-32 and we were a short half hour from the house. Once again, I was rather timid (probably too much so) as I couldn't determine what was salt in the road and what was discoloration. Either way, we got back to the house, fixed dinner, and polished off the night with some more excellent beers.

Thursday was spent at the house. We had intended to go caving, but that didn't pan out. No worries, we hadn't played on the lathe yet, and there is no shortage of material to turn here.  ; )   We went back down to the tree we had cut on Monday and snagged up a couple pieces of that. We cut and treated what we weren't going to use right now, and processed a piece so that Skip could turn a bowl out of it. Here he is workin' it ...

After we finished in the garage, the rest of the night was spent .... you guessed it, sippin' on some good barley, malt, and hops. 

It's always a great time when Skip and I get together. This one seems to be even moreso. Maybe because it's fresher on my mind, I don't know, but it just seems that this visit was not just appreciated, but needed. I have a renewed feeling. 

It is so easy to get into a rut here. I think this break was beneficial for me, plus we discussed some stuff that gave me something to think about.

complacency

Why can we not just appreciate what we have ... EVERYDAY we have it? I am not referring to any specific phenomenon, but just things ... life ... in general! Why can we not appreciate it when we have it?

Why does it have to be gone before we realize how good we had it?

Life is hard enough without us making it harder. I don't understand why I don't have a greater feel for what I have, WHEN I have it!

I am blessed, I know this. Sometimes, I get trivial and take for granted what I have.

I suppose we all do, to some extent; maybe it's just human nature. It doesn't mean I understand it, or that that fact makes it any better.

I love my wife! I DO! That poor woman endures a LOT!

I don't always let her know where she stands with me (with words), yet by now, I would think that she SHOULD know by now where she stands with me. The point is, I don't take the time to say those magic words women want to hear -- I'm not that guy, never have been. She KNOWS where I stand, I just don't say it.

I have a great love for my kids. They both drive me crazy ... in different ways. Yet, I love them, again this is not shared with words. Yet, again, the point is that I don't necessarily show proper appreciation of them in that moment.

I used to have a job. It was a menial job, yet it was a great feeling to work and feel like I was doing something that mattered (at some point). Due to circumstances that are what they are, I have not worked for the past 5? years. Funny, there were mornings I  used to dread going to work. Heh! What I wouldn't give to suffer that again!

I obviously know the things that matter. Why can I not appreciate them at the time that I have them? NOT when they are gone!

I fear one day it will get to that point where I realize it and is too late. Right now, my wife and kids deal, hopefully, I will mature before those are gone as well. My history gives me little hope, my stubborn, persistent attitude makes me think there's a chance.

Jest chillin'

So Friday morning Melissa comes in from work (she is on third shift now) and informs me "It's an icy, wet wonderland out there. You're crazy for going!"

I responded, "Yes dear! i *know* this!"

I will admit, I was a bit intimidated and unsure what crossing the mountain was going to be like. I am on a bald rear tire, the roads will be wet, at best, and either icy or snow-covered at worst. I don't recall being so concerned about my safety to get on a bike before. I seriously considered driving over -- for all of a minute! Additionally, it's GOING to be cold, with a high of 28*F for the day, but should get warmer once I turn south.

She attempts to instill the fear of God in me once more, telling me the driveway was scary and that the road that our driveway joins is also slick. Okay! I got up and got the last minute stuff ready and packed the bike. Then, walked the driveway and the road and am confused.

This woman has grown up in Indiana. She has seen some serious weather! As I walk the driveway and the street, it's relatively fine. The driveway was a piece of cake. I *did* see some ice on the road, but it was avoidable.

I planned on being in Greenville, SC by 6 PM, when Christopher would be off from work. My only planned stop would be at Oskar Blues Brewery to pick up a couple beers for later. Google Maps puts the drive at 3 hours. So if I leave at 1:30 PM, I should be fine to make it to Christopher's by 6.

And that's what I did. By now the weather was probably as warm as it was going to be for the day. I had my thermals on, a long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, and an insulated flannel. All this underneath my riding suit with upper and lower liners. I also donned my balaclava and thick winter gloves.

The roads were relatively clear. I only had one butt-clenching moment. The second tunnel eastbound on I-40 was covered in white. I wasn't sure if it was ice, snow, or salt. There were two tire tracks per lane and I pointed the bike's tires in one of them and somehow managed to keep it there throughout the tunnel. It was scary! It may have only been salt, but I didn't want to find out that it wasn't -- *especially* with a bald tire --in a tunnel -- with traffic behind me!

I found Oskar Blues with very little problem. I ordered a Deviant Dale's (YUM!) and took the free tour of the brewery. Then I purchased a few to take to Christopher, since OB is one of his favorite brewers.

I was a little bit chilled upon arrival (not bad, since I still had feeling in the fingers and toes), but after about a half hour or so at the brewery, I was feeling back to "normal". I packed the beer on the bike and then headed out.

I never got cold again for the rest of the ride. Of course, the temperature was a balmy 40*F now that I had gotten further south and into lower altitude.

I got to enjoy almost all of 276 without interruption. I was cooking along just fine, when I came upon a line of cars with a cop at the head of it. SIGH! Luckily, he turned off soon after as did a couple other cars and I was back to exercising Cloud9 and wearing out the rest of that bald tire now that I'm on dry roads.

The fun part ended all too quickly and I was now ready to get to Christopher's and have a few brews. I got a little turned around and *almost* wished I had a GPS, navigating in the dark is a pain when you don't know where you are. By the time I found his place it was 7 PM. Greetings were exchanged and Christopher's wonderful lady, Sara, had picked me up a Chic-Fil-A sandwich. Thanks, Sara. I sat down and enjoyed dinner with the four of them.

Shortly after dinner, She had to head out and Christopher and I went over to Mo's to hang out. Around 9 or so we headed back to his place for some more beer and just to catch up. We saw the wee hours of the morning solving the world's problems and chatting about nothing. Great night!


 Saturday morning, Ethan, Christopher's boy, had a basketball game and I felt privileged to be able to attend it. It's been YEARS since I had been to one of these. Such fun to watch these kids.

Ethan is #22 in white

The beauty of it was, that the ref's were there only to stop play for timeouts and the clock. There were no fouls called and there was some blatant travelling going on ... I mean just outright running with the ball in hand. It was comical.

Even better the timekeeper would stop the clock and wouldn't allow the buzzer to sound during a possession. He allowed the kids to finish up either with a basket or a change of possession -- really cool.

After the game, it was time to head to Mo's. There really wasn't much wrenching this year. A lot of tire changing (myself included) but very little wrenching. Poor ol' Steeeevvve was kept rather busy at the No-Mar changer. Thanks, Steeeevve for helping me out as well.

I had no issues getting the wheel OFF the bike. However, we were having some issues mounting my tire, but Mo came to the rescue before patience wore thin and announced it was time for everyone to wash up and go upstairs to eat.

After lunch it was back at the tire. We got it seated, but it took four people to do it. Damn low-profile tires!

As if that wasn't enough, it was tough getting the wheel to balance. We would place  a weight and let it spin and never got it right. We even cut weights looking for the right combination, but never really found it. We got close enough and left it at that.

When I finally got back to the bike, I realized I had put my brake pads in the wrong way. That was easy enough to fix, but just seemed to be the prelude of what was to come.

I couldn't get the wheel back in and keep the caliper mount aligned at the same time. There is a trick to it, but I had only done this once and couldn't recall what I had done last time. Then one of the guys helping suggested to put the axle in to help hold the caliper mount in place -- BINGO! *that's* what I did last time.

Why the hell couldn't I remember that? After that the wheel slid right into place and everything went back together -- with no extra parts.

A little later it was time for a beer run. I know *I* was ready for one by now.

Maryann and Mo put out quite the feast, as they usually do! I did my best to be disciplined, but with the delicious bounty prepared, it's just not easy to do.

We had to head back to Christopher's to get E-man to bed so we left at some point after dinner. My mind is a bit hazy at this point as a few quality beers had been consumed. I had decided to leave the bike, so I wasn't driving. A few more beers at Christopher's and this night was in the books as well

For maybe six years or so, Kent and I had discussed hiking up Table Rock. He and I had discussed hitting it Sunday, since I would actually be in town and wouldn't need to be home until 10:30 PM. By Sunday the Ryders had decided to join us.

It was a beautiful day for it. A nice, sunny, 50* day. Perfect for hiking.

However, I had NO idea it would be so long of a hike. I figured a couple hours, then I will break in my new tire. WRONG!

I knew it was a 1900' ascent, had *no* IDEA it was a 3 hour hike up and a 2 hour hike down. It was already noon-ish. So much for breaking in my tire, it will be near dark when we get done hiking.

The hike was worth it, though. It was a LOT of steps (over 6 miles worth), but the trail was well marked and well maintained. Quite a few rest stops were merited.

Kent and Mitchell

These were taken when we were "almost there". Kent and Mitchell had hiked this previously. I had no idea what I was in for -- neither did David nor Polly. Kent had fun baiting us with "we're almost there" and "it's just around the corner". 

After much more climbing and another mile or so of Kent's assuring us how close we were, we reached the summit.

at the top ... finally!

what a view!

 It was nice and quiet up there. The only sound heard was the cold wind blowing. It was 50* in the parking lot, but there was a dusting of snow at the top, and the dampness of the air cut through you when that wind was blowing -- you notice we are all sitting in the sun.  ; )

serenity
(photo taken by Kent Matthew)

On our way down, a very young deer had crossed the trail in front of us. We sat there watching it watch us for a few minutes. Then we noticed further up, that Momma's watchful eyes were fixed on us as well as this yearling's brother/sister.

David and Polly needed to head northwest, and Kent and I had to head back to Mo's to get our bikes. By the time we got there, it was dark and getting cold ... and I'm going north. BRR!

I was trying to get my mind set for the cold ride ahead. I layered up again, thanked Mo and the Goddess for their wonderful hospitality, and headed out.

Actually, it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. The roads were dry and what snow had fell that day was all gone. It wasn't even that cold going over the mountain. I'll take it!

Sometimes ...

So it's near the end of January and pretty much smack-dab in the middle of winter, and we get a forecast of 70* and mostly sunny ... in ... JANUARY! WOW!

Ivor had asked me the other day if I could sneak off and play on the bike since the weather was going to be so nice. Initially, it didn't look possible as this coming weekend I will be headed out of town on the bike anyway. However, I found that Melissa was off on Tuesday and said she had no plans to go anywhere, so it looked as if I would indeed be able to jump on the bike for a short run.

I am in need of bottle caps anyway, so I set a course to end up in Knoxville, which is about 40 miles away from here as the crow flies. My route picked up some tasty twisties and more resembled a bat's flight path than what a crow may do!

I opted to take the KLR because the Bandit still has a bald (like race-slick bald) rear tire and I am going to need every bit of that to get me to Mo's where I will change it this weekend. The KLR's rear is getting thin in the middle, but I didn't plan to use the middle much for this ride anyway.  ; )

We planned to meet up at the corner of US 411 and TN-92 at 10:00 AM. This would be about a 40 minute ride for Ivor and about 10 minutes for me. It also was a good starting point for the route.

I showed up at 5 minutes before 10. HONEST! I was EARLY. No ... REALLY I was!

Sadly, Ivor was not there to corroborate this. As a matter of fact, he showed up at  a very "Ed-like" half hour late. It was comical. He got his helmet off and immediately began apologizing and laying out why he's late -- just like I tend to do when I am late. He's going on about why, and I'm snickering to myself because for once it isn't me having to do that.   ; )

Anyway, after a short bull session, we get going. 92 isn't a bad road, but it was far from the highlight of the day. Still, it offers some nice, easy, non-technical fun. The road was damp, though. It must've rained overnight, although I never heard it at the house. Luckily, it was just damp and not frozen,, so we could get away with being a bit aggressive and not lose traction.

We were on 92 for about 40 miles and turned south when we hit Rutledge. This would be a long, boring, flat stretch until we hit TN-61, which is an absolute hoot!

I *do* love that road. It winds in an east-west direction across the countryside, over mountains, next to creeks for 100 or so miles ... and it's all fun!

We finally get to it and I make my right turn onto it, and apparently wasn't paying attention closely. and as I downshifted, hit it one extra time to go into first. DOH! I meant to be in second entering that curve!

The bike bogged down and damn near came to a stop and I had just started to lean in as I let the clutch out. Crap! I look in the mirror to see Ivor taking evasive measures. Luckily, there was no traffic to deal with and he had an escape, but I felt like such a dolt!

Just one moment's inattention can get you into trouble. I am glad he had a safe following distance and that his attention hadn't lapsed, that could've been ugly.

Anyway, we are now scooting along on 61, and I am in a nice rhythm. I am cruising right along, smiling in my helmet, and then I see the street sign that 61 turns left -- as I pass it. I was having so much fun with the road, I didn't have time to slow down to make the turn. I pointed to the sign so Ivor didn't miss it and I proceeded to turn around and get back on track.

ZOOM ZOOM! right back at it. MAN! it's so sweet when you, the bike, and the road are one!

Then we got to the area just east of Big Ridge SP and it gets a little technical there, which translates into "even more fun! ". The roads are still damp, but even while playing I never *once* lost traction. Good times!

Ivor needed to place a call around 12:30, and we finally came across a gas station and I thought it was "around" 12:30 and a quick perusal of the watch indicated it was 12:37 ... not bad! He made his call, then we BS-ed a bit. The blue sky we had earlier had by now given way to gray clouds.

We were just about done with the fun stuff, and about to turn back, so if it must rain, now is the best time for it. About 10 miles up the road, the rain started spittin'. That was all it did, though. It wasn't even enough to get my suit wet, which was just fine with me.

Upon arriving in Knoxville, we split off as I had a few places to stop. I got my bottle caps and stopped at the liquor store and picked up a sixxer of Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye. I had brewed this before but never had seen the original anywhere. I knew they had gotten it in stock this past week, so I definitely wanted to grab some.

Arrived home with about 180 miles on the odometer and a smile on my face. Topped off a great day with a couple Ruthless Rye's and gained another smile, as I liked mine better than Sierra Nevada's. Closed out a great day with a nice long catch-up chat with my mother.

Sometimes, the stars ... they just fall in place!

loyalty

.... yeah loyalty! It's hard to beat a dog's loyalty! Really!

Tonight I watched "Eight Below" (great movie by the way) with Melissa. Impressive!

It makes you realize how dogs "feel". While dogs were not the main characters of the movie, they were an integral part of the story. You really feel like one of the pack. The director and actors did an awesome job relaying how much a team of dogs is not so much a unit, but a collection of individuals that actually give a damn about one another.

In the society we live in, this premise can easily be forgotten or set aside. We get busy, we have obligations (whether they are where we need to be or not, we have perceived obligations), life goes on and we get so caught up in our self-serving, self-centered/focused lives ... that we lose sight of the big picture.

It's hard to do everything alone. Yeah, okay, *some* things are easier to tackle than others but as a socially driven species we still need to help one another now and then. This movie tugs at that very premise; but from an obtuse angle.

Dogs get it! They really do! Undying love; this is what dogs have that we do not.

We, as humans, are conditional; everything comes with an asterisk. We come home from work mad at .... who knows? It doesn't matter, you get home, your dog is tickled that ... you're home! You are frustrated with some aspect(s) of your day and fail to acknowledge him/her ... yet he/she is happy that part of the pack has come home.

Dogs "feel" more camaraderie, and, more self-preservation for the most part, than humans do. It's amazing how much a dog will sacrifice.

Maybe I have been hardened/de-sensitized, but I have seen too much human behavior that does not represent this quality on a case-by-case basis. There are some good people out there, sure!, but on the whole, we, as a species, are nowhere near what a canine is!

Funny we consider ourselves to be "above" animals, but don't hesitate to call a dog an animal. Movies like this make you think it's the other way around. "Eight Below" is a great flick that exemplifies a canine's demeanor, and makes me wish I were as good as a canine.

(caveat -- yes i watched the movie. i KNOW that there is a human element and applaud that representation, but there is nothing like pack mentality as opposed to the sheeple we have become)

COLD!

Cold and alone here in this shell,
I have condemned myself to this Hell.

Those that care and those that try,
Are excluded from me and I have no answer "why".

It's not fair, it's not right,
Still I persist on this flight.

Sometimes there is no escape,
Sometimes I wonder why I go on,
Yet I allow myself to keep doing wrong.

Am I doomed? Is this fate?
Why cannot I avoid this trait?

I am not dumb,yet I cannot understand
Why I cannot take the upper hand!

Let's get lost ....

that was the mindset I awoke with yesterday morning. Melissa was working third shift and was planning to be home, so I did some chores around the house and then jumped on the KLR with the idea of "getting lost" on some gravel roads.

I *did* do some preliminary scouting using google maps so I would be aware of some of the roads in the area I would be in -- (heh) provided they were marked, which is rarely the "norm" on forest roads!

I left without a clue that this would be my route, but in retrospect, I formulated one. Here it is ...

http://goo.gl/maps/Y84NS

So if you're following along with the map, TN-32 is an absolute blast -- and with fresh asphalt! Zoom in and see how it wiggles!  ; )

I had been on it before, but it's been years. I was with Isaac on the big Magna (yeah, *that* many years!!). We knew it was going to turn to gravel but had no idea how long, but we were both curious enough to find out.

Anyhow, it doesn't turn to gravel until after you get across the state line. Sadly, the road was wet in the shaded hollows, so I kept a real sane pace through those tasty twisties. I never slipped but it was only about 40-50* up at that elevation and I was not confident that I *wouldn't* find icy conditions.

As mentioned above, shortly after crossing the NC state line it went to gravel. However, it was hard packed, easy to navigate, gravel. At one point, I saw an old building down in the hollow and wanted to play with the camera. However, it was a significant drop-off and I didn't feel like hiking down just to have to hike back up, just for the sake of photography. I guess I'm not a dedicated artist.   ; )

So I took a couple pics from above and moved on. This one seemed to be the one that come out best ...



and here is a shot of the bike waiting for me to come back to it ...











I continued on along this, now, hard-packed dirt road. There were many little "trails" leading off the "beaten-path" that looked intriguing, but being alone, I decided against this since my first single-track adventure turned out poorly and *now* I have no phone if I do indeed find myself in trouble.

I then saw a sign for Cataloochee. I have heard of this but never been. Time to change that!

Cataloochee (area C on the map, if following along) is an old early 1900's pioneer-type live-off-the land settlement that has since become a government-owned, protected area. Not only that but they have decided to try and repopulate the area with elk -- which used to roam the area but haven't for a long time.

It was a pretty neat place. I have never been even *near* as close to elk (that weren't in an enclosure) as this ...

They are beautiful animals. And, as you can see, they are not too bothered by humans. I was able to get as close as 10 feet from them. I probably *could* have gotten closer but didn't want to make them uncomfortable.

Here is a shot of a huge barn that was built by one of the early settlers ...

And here is a few more elk from a pasture further up the road ...

From there, I headed on. With a late departure, and waaaayyy much more camera time than I had expected to spend, the sun was getting low, and I needed to think about headed homewards.

I knew where I was (remember I said I had been on the road before with Isaac?), even though I had never been to Cataloochee before. I could backtrack and see if I remembered how to get to I-40 but I saw a sign and followed it instead. Again, it's getting late in the day.

I got to 40 and stayed on it ... for about 15 miles or so. That is when I saw the Harmon's Den exit. I recall seeing a road named Harmon's Den when perusing Google maps earlier that day. Hmmm .... I haven't got "lost" yet and that was the day's objective, so I got off 40 and decided to see if I could get myself lost.

All the while thinking "this is a bad idea" but I just ... wanted .... to! So I stayed the course to ???? and the road quickly turned into a Forest Service road and began climbing .. and climbing. Soon I was looking at I-40 from some 2000' above.

The road kept going on and on and the sun kept getting lower and lower. Uh-Oh. I'm about lost now as I don't really know where I am. I have a sense of direction and with the sun's position that helped. I was headed in the right general direction, but daylight was no longer on my side.

Then it got *more* interesting. The road I was on "T" 'd and to the right (which was where I thought I needed to go) was a gated road with enough wheel tracks around the gate that made me think. (If you're following along on the map link, I could not find it on Google). After doing some careful thought, I went right, after all, this is *where* I need to be heading ... I think?? ... HEY! I'm lost!

After about 5 miles or so, the road is much less traveled. It is now strewn with leaves, the road is barely visible and the substrate seems to be pretty much ... MUD! I'm alone, it's getting dark, I have no phone, SHIT!

(sigh) I turned around and headed back.

So I went the other direction of that "T". It quickly turned into a dead end. Well, I guess I got lost, so mission accomplished. Once again, I turned around and re-traced steps.

There *had* been a road earlier that went downhill, but I passed it as the road signage indicated the road I was on went straight, not downwards. Now, left with no other options but to backtrack entirely, I took this new road that again, went in the direction I *think* I needed to go.

And it did! It wound up where I thought it would and I was home a half hour later and there was still some residual daylight remaining. Happy, but sore!

I found some places I would like to explore further. Now, I just got to find the time and someone locally that has a DS bike and is crazy enough to take some of these single-track offshoots to check out.