May 2019

May is typically my annual Utah trip, this year was no exception. Things didn't go exactly the way I hoped but with a couple modifications it turned out pretty damn good. Day 1 was a full day of canyoneering , knocking out two slots with a 3-4 hour round trips. They started from the same general area so in between descents we were able to grab a quick lunch and head back out.

 ArcFlash and I were on par for the course having been through this scenario on the last half dozen trips. Eoj on the other hand was struggling a bit, possibly caught off guard by the vigor AF and I attacked the first adventure as if we were dogs that had just broken free of our leashes. By the time we all returned some 8 hours later from canyon #2 it was clear the plan for tomorrow's considerably harder three day trek would not be happening.

 The canyon hike would be more strenuous, the raps longer, and we would need carry camping gear, another rope and packrafts, as well as a 30plus mile bike shuttle to finish. Instead we paddled and camped for three days,and shuttled back to the vehicle. It was a great compromise and we all had a fantastic time staying within a tolerable amount of physical effort. After wrapping up our multi day portion of the trip we got in some more canyoneering before getting rained out and headed home.

 A couple weeks later I got out for a memorable gravel ride on the north shore. After missing the deadline to sign up for Le Grand Du Nord I decided to ride from Silver Bay to Grand Marais and catch a ride back The Legend, who was smart enough to sign up for the event before the deadline. It was a cold-ish wet and muddy day. I got lost a couple times and finished with an awesome 80+ mile ride and got to hang out with a bunch of friends at the Le Grand finish line.

   
D Rider......................................out