slight return to normal

Utah has not been as hard hit by the COVID-19 virus as other places (thankfully).  On May 1st, the governor started easing some of the restrictions the state has been under, which meant that businesses could, if they wanted to, reopen under stringent protocols.  We had a feeling that Woody's would be open when we got down to Moab that afternoon and it was, so we went by for a beer and to check in on our favorite bartenders.  There were just a handful of people there, all locals, and everyone was all smiles.  We were all so happy to be talking to strangers!  In a bar!  H and I were very mindful, however, and only stayed for one pitcher, but it sure was nice to be there.

The black hat is his formal hat

Another thing that felt like we were inching back to normal was that we were able to go up and MTB at Dead Horse Point State Park on Saturday.  It was a spectacular day, bright and sunny and only getting up to the low 70s by the time we left, so it was perfect riding conditions.  Which made it all the more surreal when we were literally the only ones in the parking lot at 9 a.m.  Under normal conditions, at this time of year, there would have been 15+ other vehicles there.  But it was just us.  It was super-weird but also super-awesome.

H's bike enjoys the views

We did our regular loop up there: Intrepid to Great Pyramid to Big Chief, across Crossroads to Whiptail and Twisted Tree, back on Crossroads to Raven Roll and back to the start.  We saw four other riders when we were approaching Crossroads the first time; we saw another three on Crossroads when we had just finished Whiptail.  That was it.  It was great.

Looking good on the flats

H hadn't eaten much breakfast so he sort of bonked towards the end of the ride.  Despite that, he felt like he rode Whiptail as well as he ever has.  Still ran into that one tree he always runs into on Twisted Tree, though.  As for me, I felt pretty solid.  It helps that those trails are in good condition right now, plus not having to dodge other riders was a bonus.

I have a cowboy hat too

When we finished up, there were more vehicles in the parking lot but far fewer than there would have been in non-pandemic times: under normal conditions, the place would have been packed.  So things are most definitely not back to normal, but it did feel like we were edging closer to it.

Ride stats:  16.38 miles; 8.2 m.p.h. average speed; 2:00 hours