Today I rode a Dry Creek drainage loop starting from the Culture Park riding out Last Frontier which drops down to Dry Creek which was its namesake. The trail crossed the creek then climbed out and worked up several climbs to get about 200′ elevation above the creek as the trail worked north. Short hard climbs which really tax me requiring breathing stops. I’m still digging my 1X10.Last Frontier hangs on the canyon wall, skinny w/ exposure, riding over red rock cobble. Next was Western Civ that is less tech that Ts into Cockscomb then to Aerie which contours around Doe mtn then drops down to Cockscomb. There was still snow on the ground on the back side, Cockscomb had several nasty mud sections.
dawa was muddy in the dips. The section towards Dry Creek was rerouted for sustainability, this is what the trail used to go down only looking uphill in the pic.
Dawa crossed a running Dry Creek dead ending on AZ Cypress which crossed the creek a bunch more times. At some crossings rocks had been washed into the old crossings causing me to walk several and got wet feet at the others. I broke ice at one crossing. The depth was just below bottom bracket height. AZ Cypress connected to Girdner for the upstream climb back to the start. I got worked for 15.5 miles climbing 1659′ in 2 hrs 7 mins. There’s little pedal pedaling trails here for faster times. inertia enhanced by acceleration is a key strategy for making step ups. Key is constantly pedaling shifting to match gear to effort.
My physical therapy appointment hastened my ride. I showered at snap before treatment. Evaluation revealed that I have some functionality above what the reported complete tears would give. I have been scheduled for more PT. I wanted to learn what I can and should not do to not damage my shoulder. He said as long as I keep my arm below my shoulder and keep my arm tight to my side I am good.
I drove down to VOC Bike and Bean arriving just after 5 to a closed shop. Several riders were flowing thru the parking lot. Joe and Kim Murray joined. I talked to Kim who is an ortho PA about my shoulder. I’m on the right path: only fix it once pain prevents me from sleeping and the prognosis for acceptable use is good. She works w/ Lewicki who repaired me last year. I spoke of my idolizing fear with them and put it to rest. Joe wants to do what I’m doing.
I’m out at Beaverhead.
Hateful 8 Tarenteno movie. Sheeesh. Lots of gruesomeness.
Tomorrow is another volunteer trail work day.
Temps have been in upper 50s some low 60s during the day but just below freezing at night which freezes up the thawed mud etc etc cycle.