GDT Day 41 -Polvadera Mesa to Cuba

Tues Sept. 13, 2016
 Polvadera Mesa campsite to Cuba

Start - ~9900'
High pt  ~10350' top of the mesa
Lo pt. ~7000'
End Elv ~7000'
Climbing ~1400'??

Miles ~55.5
Total time ~7:45
Ride time 6:15
Day with BOB 39

A mostly sunny morning today, and the world is wet, and the air seems to sparkle in the sunshine. The dell next to campsite is emanating a mist that lingers, with long languid tendrils caressing treetops along its edges. The musical coyote is again singing in the morning, echoing through the dell and mountain side.
A short but rocky climb brings me to the apex of the day. While I will lose a net 3300 feet today, my route is actually very rolling at the 9000+ foot level, through a variety of healthy forestland, ecosystems and road quality. Shortly after I begin the descent, a very bad noise abruptly starts from my rear wheel and spokes. I  immediately brake, and see that my hanger has broken and the derailleur is hanging forlornly and twisted.  I am 50+ miles from my destination.......
(Add favorite expletive here)

Fortunately I have a spare ( 2 actually) and quickly change out the hangers. I did have a bit of a momentary fear that maybe multitool would not have a small enough allen wrench as I did not check that before the trip. I suspect the hanger was damaged by the trailer during a bad parking job in the rain yesterday. It held together while I slowly cranked up but could not handle the derailleur bouncing on the rough road.

Speaking of roads, the forest roads of yesterday and many portions today are among the roughest I have experienced yet. On one 2 mile section, it was as rough as I would do on a mountain bike ride sans trailer. The trailer really shines here, with its low center of gravity and narrow profile. I rode it all, and enjoyed the technical elements involved.

I am surprised at how green it is in these mountains, after a the prolonged wet spell. Been seeing many mushrooms and some extensive moss.
I transitioned frim the mountains to canyon mesa desert. I will be in desert for much of the next 3 days. Dramatic  changes the divides leads one on.

I am tired today, my 5th day in a row, with one of the toughest, longest and biggest climbs yesterday. The rain also put a damper on my outlook, but I enjoyed the sunny morning, and biking towards the lower lands and their broader blue skies. I have never been in these parts, and am also surprised that there is 80+ miles of mountains to ride through here. This deflates my Colorado mountain provencialism more than a bit  I have to admit.........