That’s how long it took me to ride a Hiline loop today. Started @ Bike and Bean, jumping onto Shades to Hiline entrance continuing onto Baldwin that joins Templeton for the switch backs hike a bike up then dropping down a wash to pick up Easy Breezy to its end, then X rt 179 to pick up Shades back down to BnB. I still have problems w/ the wash ride climb to get on Hiline proper. Then there are the 2 climbing switchbacks that I lack the energy to make. Once down on the slick rock I rode a steep roll down, my first time, I rode the last piece of slick rock @ the Baldwin drop in. I walked the nasty steep stuff per usual then rode the last steep part to the wash. My confidence has improved. 10.78 miles climbing 1310′.
Encountered hikers on Hiline which is bad for both users as the trail is narrow and bench cut into steep hillside. The hikers allowed me to pass. User conflict. The trail was built by mtn bikers back 4 years ago. This winter it became a system trail and now known to the general public. Trail wasn’t built for multiuse and can’t be made wider, and it should not.
Easy Breezy is also a system trail. Horse damage is cast in the dirt.
I was pleasantly drained.
I drove up to Sedona for a shower @ Snap, groceries, propane, then drove out to Deer Pass. I steamed a piece of wild salmon, asparagus, and sweet potatoes for dinner. Desert was a small cup of haagen daaz frozen hard. Yesterday I defrosted the fridge @ BnB.
Yesterday was a rest day. I finished Confession by Grisham. I talked to 3 young women riders from Vancouver, BC. One asked if I rode Bend’s big Fat tour last year and did I remember Ashley. 2 of them sat across the isle from Ashley and me on the bus ride up to ride start. Ashley had my attention as she had been a traveler. I didn’t notice the other women.
Tomorrow my new stereo is to arrive. I was assured that the wiring harness is the same and it is backward compatible to my XM receiver. I will be @ BnB waiting for the UPS truck. I have been listening to my iPad thru headphones to music I previously recorded. I need to hear human voices which stimulate my mind.
Sister Lynn will be here next week. I established my Sedona departure date of the 20th. I’ll drop her off @ Phoenix airport on the 15th then drive back to Sedona. I plan on spending several days up in Flag then drive back down for 1 last Friday Bike and Bean ride.
Today on my drive up 179 to BnB I saw my first vehicle killed javalina.
Floyd cut my hair and beard again. Really the best cuts I have had. He knows how to trim a beard.
I am doing 60 crunches every morning while still in bed.
Mon is my 5 week return visit to the ortho DR.