Last minute plans allowed me 24 hours of very rare free time and it was much needed with a few big projects keeping me in the office longer more than I'd like to admit. Setting out on a little adventure sounded fun and I had never dispersed camped at this particular state park. I left work at 11 on Saturday (yeah, lame), got home, did a few chores then packed up the bike and left home a little after 2 with a nice tailwind. This particular route covers 30 miles of roads I have ridden many times previously, but riding a packed up bike knowing you're disappearing into the woods for the night makes them hit different. I was overbiking for most of the route pushing 2.6's on paved paths and smooth tarmac but it didn't matter, I was cruising on cloud nine. I didn't find any amazing spots this time around and I didn't put in crazy miles but I wasn't complaining. I sat in the sun, cooked ramen, ate beef jerky, stared at bugs, took photos, read a little and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Passed out early and was woken by the sound of coyotes yipping and howling around 12 AM near my tent, was pretty neat. I woke up again around 2:30 to pee and immediately noticed an off smelling burning smell (meth?) upwind of me, I held my pee until I woke again around 6 and the smell was gone. Woke up, made coffee, ate granolas bars, hiked around a bit, packed up the bike, took some more photos and then took off into another tailwind that took me home. Home by noon to hang with the family and getting ready for the next week. It was just what I needed.
by kjk00000003