Post eye exam dilating drops. Could see real good in 26 degs around sunlight 7:30 when 2 hot air balloons appeared. I watched the closer pilot spill air and heat to ride and fall to clear a slight ridge between him and me where he was going to land. Somehow the balloon can be steered if that is a word. Managed to drop it right on road and might have stayed out of the junipers this time.
Nice cloudless morn, below freezing. Forecast was for 40s. Drove into town w/ time on my hands and only the 3:15 eye appointment. Stopped @ Sedona library to read newspapers but they were busy so I magazine read Nat Geo cover article on polygamists in FLDS and Colorado City. Church demands church members which can be accomplished by having many wives and their role is to bear children. Nice library. Saw many older people. Do I consider myself “old People”? I believe that they are all older than my 60.
Put my original Eggbeaters on as they appear to be less worn than the newer pair. The older pair probably started getting lose so I bought a new pair. The new pair has eclipsed the older pair such that what was old is now new. Yesterday removing the pedal from my road bike I tightened the pedal in the crank arm. I tried removing it w/o putting on the front wheel which would have helped me to loosen in correct direction. Stopped @ MBH and Bob put a cheater on the allen and clamped the other crank arm in the vise. Once he figured out which way to turn and applied force the allen started flexing and he was afraid that he might snap it before the pedal let loose. Another heave and it spun free.
Eye exam using VSP insurance and selected eye clinic in Sedona. Eyes are in great shape just my lenses are starting to form cataracts which is a normal part of aging. So small a change from present prescription that i will continue w/ current lenses. I have an astigmatism in my right eye which is far sighted. My left eye is near sighted. I don’t wear my prescription glasses for outside activities. maybe the different sightedness causes bal;ance problems on my bike? One eye commanding the body to change focal lengths for clear vision. Left says close up I want to see what i am going to fall in. Right demanding to look further down the trail for more places to check up closely.
Drove back to Deer Pass into the setting sun on dilated eyes. I stopped for a beer @ Oak Creek brew pub as a way to spend time in a dimly lit place. Made just a beer. I need more people to have a better chance of a conversation.
Freeze over night last night made for thaw mud above freezing. The dirt gets slimy slippery and sticks to tires, so far not so badly as to stop the wheels from turning like they did in China wash in Hurricane, UT. And the 4″ of rain saturated the soil. And yesterday’s ride was muddy, today would have been more of the same.
Going to check forecast for need to ride tomorrow b4 next rain. Will try down near B & B as it has more sand and slick rock. Position myself for shower down canyon.
Greg from Turner called today and we firmed up shipping for this Wed on my request as the front wheel’s arrival is unknown and I can not store the frame in my van. Learned wheel was shipped today from somewhere via USPS. PUSHed shock arrives Tues.
Broke a rear spoke on my Sun ride right @ the nipple. Gear cluster which is steel grinds it’s way onto aluminum free wheel on Chris King hub which is normal. getting them off requires some skill.
Zags are ranked 8 in ESPN. Bill’s Kentucky is ranked number 1.
Javelinas are present even in outskirts of Sedona. Last night’s scat was left in library parking lot for close examination of their diet which doesn’t completely digest. Got pictures.
Same camper as last night is here again w/ his generator going to power his trailer.