Date: May 27Mileage: 9.2
May mileage: 990.3
Temperature: 56
I'm pushing my highest-mileage month ever on a bicycle (I mean, besides my long bike tour.) Only about 25 more miles and I shouldn't have any problem surpassing it, although I try to tell myself it doesn't matter. I've long been converted to the idea of quality over quantity, and yet I still keep track of every mile I pedal, and get excited about distance. I thought about shooting for a month-end surge if for no other reason than to bump up the record to something harder to beat (and because all the saddle time is good training for the 24 Hours of Light, which is still on the docket.) But it's hard not to take advantage of a cloudless day to hike to elevation for some stunning views.
I have been thinking more about hiking lately, silently willing the snow to just melt already so there's more user-friendly access to high points. I feel like this is the summer to hit the mountains hard - I have a GPS now, a few maps, better emergency gear, and a better idea of accessible ridgelines and possible places to explore. I probably won't delve into any seriously deep exploration this year - these roadless areas demand multi-day time commitments, and I generally have about four hours in the morning, tops. Plus, I am just a walker in a maze of technical barriers. Maybe this is the year that I learn how to climb. As if one expensive, all-consuming hobby wasn't enough.
But, yes! Hiking. I'm so excited. I take little tastes on the rapidly deteriorating snowmobile and boot pack trails. I took some video footage today while I was walking on the Dan Moller Trail because I was excited about the color and light of the day - forgetting that pretty scenery doesn't really translate to heavily compressed, pixelated Web video. And walking doesn't make for exciting footage. Every time I make one of these video blogs, afterward I think they're really stupid and I shouldn't post them. But, then I go ahead and post them anyway.
Enjoy!
Great video Jill, reminds me of the show SurvivorMan when you ran back to your camera. Maybe I should have said SurvivorWomen.
ReplyDeleteNo chain to clean - no puncture business - no trucks.
ReplyDeleteAre those shoes Campag or Shimano?
Thanks - R
Don't kid yourself. The videos are great!
ReplyDeleteStop worrying about video quality, they're fine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vid.
Jill: don't ever think these videos are stupid. This one was great! What a great view of the mountains. I loved the scene where you were running back to the camera with your arms held out. You looked so happy. Then, when you were bravely running downhill, in the shadow it looks like you are leaping for joy - and you probably were! Thanks for the great blog: of all the others, I knew you would post today.
ReplyDeleteIf it feels good, do it.
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteYou put this into much better words than me, but it is a concept that
I have always embraced.
"That, to me, is one of the best benefits of fitness - the unhindered freedom to explore"
I, as well as I am sure a host of others are very envious of your surroundings and devotion to the experience of exploring. I hope one day to these those places in person, but if I dont get to.
I feel pretty lucky to have such an "outdoor correspondent"
Thank You
Brent Driggers
You should take a folding chair with you whenever you go up into the mountains. That way you could kick back and relax, enjoy the view, smoke a few cigs, have a few beers, eat some bon bons and chips, etc, etc.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Juneau and have hiked Dan Moller many, many times. I recognize every second of the video. You're doing a great service to a home sick Juneau boy.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
Echoing the above ~ your videos are not stupid. At all. Quite the opposite. They're beautiful mini-escapes in a landscape that wows...with superb tune choices as accompaniment.
ReplyDeletePlease explore the whole globe and post videos so everyone can see this wonderful world like you do.
Thank you. X
Do you ride those planks when you ride up?
ReplyDeleteJill, thanks for sharing the sunshine and great hike. Keep enjoying your life!
ReplyDeleteMade me happy to see that.
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog a few weeks ago and very quickly became addicted. I spend way too much time sitting at my computer getting myself up to speed reading your older posts. I am a pudgy stay at home mom of 2 boys in balmy central Alabama. I am also a road cyclist (I hesitate even calling myself a cyclist....I have a bike that I ride on the road....that's a more accurate description.) You have filled me with both envy and awe. My husband and I long for a much cooler climate and breathtaking views that you just don't get in the deep south. You have also inspired me to ride more and push myself more. Thank you for that. You have such eloquence and a down to earth air about you. You seem to be the type of person who brings out the best in anyone you are around. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your world with those of us who wish we weren't sweating profusely 8 months out of the year!
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please post the name of song/artist that accompanied your video (which was great by the way.) I am in desperate need of some new tunes and absolutely loved that song!
Wow Kate, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe song is "Baby Blue Sedan" by Modest Mouse from the album "Building Nothing Out of Something." I love Modest Mouse. Probably my favorite band ever.
dd ... each of those planks have about a six inch rise. And they go the whole distance of that swampy trail. Maybe some people can ride them ... not me. Dan Moller is strictly a hiking trail in the summer.
Thanks again, everyone.
Thanks! I am surprised that I didn't recognize it as I am a big MM fan as well. Maybe it's time for me to go back through the CD collection and listen to some albums that might be collecting dust.
ReplyDeleteGood Job! :)
ReplyDeleteNices pictures a great video!!
ReplyDelete