A windy day one

The CEM 900 Mother Ship rolled out of Bloomington on Thursday morning bound for the Old Barn Campground located conveniently adjacent to the Root River and Preston/Harmony Trails. On board were CEM 900 riders Jim Arbuckle and John Elder along with support driver Jay Saterbak. Jay’s navigational skills were put to the test as the team was frequently rerouted with detours, including the final miles on a narrow gravel road.

After setting up camp and downing a Jay prepared lunch, Jim and John were off and riding. The forecast suggested there would be significant wind, but conditions were actually exceptionally good–in part because the trail is very sheltered. The riders returned once to camp where Jay had sliced watermelon and yogurt waiting to refuel the riders. As they got back on the trails for the final 24 miles, the riders experienced a significant change in conditions–wind, lots of wind.  As fate would have it, the ride out was aided by a tail wind, whereas the return run was hampered by strong, gusty head winds, making it seem like a 12 mile uphill ride. Winds became so strong that the trail was littered with small tree branches, and even three fallen trees. They were relieved to roll  back into camp, having dodged all obstacles, and having 62 miles in the rear view mirror.

The riders were rewarded with Jay’s camp dinner–ribeye steaks, baked potatoes, and salad topped with a Jay-created dressing. After dinner the team had just enough energy to play one round of The Game and then downed root beer floats. It was off to bed early. John’s bunk was in the CEM 900 trailer which was perched at an uphill angle. Undeterred, John slept comfortably, never rolling out of bed.