Today I hung 4 pairs of liners on the drying line. I do my wash every Thurs, all clothes are washed. I rode 4 times last week. On my rides I carry a water bottle in the left handed release water bottle cage and cell phone as I am never far away and the walk a bike mechanical is short. 3X I rode my same 55 min loop.
Today was my CT scan of my troubling abdomen. While there I doubled up for the blood work and EKG surgery requirement. I am known by several of the staff. Today the nurse performing the EKG had an IMBA calendar posted @ her desk. That sparked mtn bike conversation. She said her fiance’s picture is in there. I know him, Jesse, a biker introducing her to mountain biking. She said it scares her because she sees bike injuries professionally. Yes, riders will be hurt. Yes, it might happen to you. Yes, there are so many other riders she never sees broken.
Tuesday a surgery scheduler called to go over information from me and she shared my part. I am required to submit blood work no older than 30 days and take and EKG. These were a new thing for me that indicates care for the entire body, the body will tell if it can recover from surgery. There will be a bridge from oral blood thinner to injections to raise my INR number after not taking any. Blood clots are a risk.
My new vent fan arrived, tomorrow will be a mechanical day to R&R. I will be able to get at the wood garnish to either remove and Stephen make a new one or just coat it w/ sealer. Stephen will make a new frame around the opening.
Last night I slept sort of w/ the furnace cycling. I was cold. 47 degrees in morning but full on sun is warm.
Friend Steve gifted me a book, “Dirt Work” written by a woman who worked years on summer trail crews @ Glacier NP and somewhere in Alaska( I have gotten to that part). My nose has been in it. She tells of the years of experience. I’m processing reading of a memoir and comparing it to my life and in this case being envious of author’s, Byl, written experiences. My reflection on my life ran around in my head while I attempted to fall asleep; I slept very little.
Today I upped my ride game by riding longer and maybe cumulative more tech junk to negotiate. A little ways in on Chuck Wagon a loose rock was on the trail on a slight downhill left hand turn where I wanted to go. Unexpected that washed out my wheel leaving my body at the mercy of gravity as I was gently seated on my left side. I bailed out on Yucca to Canyon of Fools then climb back up Snake. My upper body is mostly stable w/ little weight on my hands. Load happens when I squeeze the brake levers slowing the bike and making my body independently slowing down likewise. I carried my Wing Nut pack w/ no water bladder but a pint size collapsible bottle of water and barest of mechanical tools. I carry a full at start water bottle in the frame holder. I’m slow but steady. My shoulder really hurts as I type this.
I have a place to park my van out of the way behind the Red Agave which is next to Duff’s spare bedroom which is down the street and across a vacant lot to Bike and Bean. And i have a ride up and back to Flag by Matt who is a nurse at the hospital. I am required to have a responsible person pick me up. Score.
Today I learned that amount of blood in my urine is still the same minute amount.
I have 7 shirt sleeve shirts and maybe 10 under shorts. I wear my pants for several days; I have 4 pair of shorts. One set of sheets that are washed every week.
Steeping coffee grounds overnight to make Tod’s Toddy concentrate that I mix 1 part to 3 parts water. 12 ounces makes enough for about 14 cups of coffee, 1 per day. Slightly less acid and sweeter and smoother tasting.