For those keeping track, Zeke has not mountain biked properly since the big day at Keystone. I have simply been too excited about collecting wood. The forest fire that’s about 40 miles north helps keep me motivated and the pleasure of simply being able to carry, cut and split the wood is very real.

Last night we had two guests over for dinner, and both of them proposed we all ride the Monarch Trail before the season is over. That was spark number one. Then, it turned out that one of them is going to be chopping up a gigantic tree on the neighboring college campus with an actual chainsaw and loves the idea of helping me get it to my place where I can split it. Nice!!!!!

The non chainsaw guest was here because the stove has arrived and it was time to bring it inside. Using plywood and 2x4s, we made ramps for the couple of stairs and with the help of a dolly rated 1500 lbs and a manual forklift we carefully rolled it in and down. He is graciously doing this job after hours as a favor. With the lower parts of the valley already in the teens at night and then next week we are getting to the 20s ourselves, it’s none too late. That said, don’t cry for Zeke just yet as by day it’s still tee shirt and shorts weather.

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The long awaited winterizing, removal and reinstallation of the 25 gallon water tank to take out the unused second battery it kept inaccessible is complete. Luckily I had use of a jack; unluckily it didn’t go as low or high as the Emeryville body shop’s jack which made putting it back, frankly, extremely difficult managing solo.

And the threaded rod was loose holy smokes. I added more bolts with lock washers plus locktite to the original 4 loose ones. Very glad to have found out this way as opposed to the other, more dramatic options.

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Remember this? One of many we were enjoying last night.