Welcome 2013

December 30th snow fell, not much, just enough to wet the trails.

December 31 was a no ride day for wet trails. Hung @ BnB into the early evening. Gathering of the usual suspects at the shop getting ready for the new year. Two fifths of tequila were consumed among maybe 10 riders. Add some beer in between sips affected a few. Party broke up around 6:30. I headed for Beaverhead Flats camp spot, first stopping @ video store. Amazing that a small independent rental shop exists. The owner recommended Morgan Freeman “Welcome to Belle Isle”. I enjoyed it: no violence, a bit corny and results were expected. Made for a pleasant evening hunkered down in my heated van. Only 1 other rig @ spot that arrived after me.

Today I drove up to BnB. Scott bled my reverb seat post. My Time ATAC pedals are showing wear.

Jimmy, Scott, Luke, Ian, Danny, Lee, and me. Trail conditions ranged from frozen w/ ridden in snow to freeze thaw heaved dry soil. Mix in chunky slick rock. And cactus.

Lee climbing slick rock on Slim Shady
Lee climbing slick rock on Slim Shady

I rode new to me trails on the other side of RT 179: wash riding, bushwacking just like an old Mtn Bike Heaven ride.

I am missing tech sections that I mastered last year.

Late afternoon ride getting towards sunset. Beautiful light and colors from the rock.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARiding w/ Jimmy, the owner of Bike and Bean means a post ride beer drinking session at the shop. Tonight was the same. We goof about the ride and other free flowing topics. Fun and friendly that comes from my time spent here.

I drove out to Deer Pass road which is west of Sedona. Plan tomorrow is to drive down to Cottonwood and ride Dead Horse SP trails. I want to car wash off the road salt picked up on my drive from Hurricane.

1 1/2 hr for 9.5 miles.