At 4:30 NOAA recorded winds 22 mph gusts to 35mph, 15% humidity, 63 degrees. And that was pretty much the day. The forecast on Sunday called for these winds today. Forecast accuracy is always suspect but might be true and I weigh the adverse consequences if the not so good happens. I rode yesterday and made today a rest day. Last rainfall was many weeks ago. Low humidity, traffic, and wind erode the sand that the trails tread on. Wind gets at it transporting its effort into the air. I am a mouth breather bypassing the nasal filter. What came in would end up in my lungs. Not good. Rest is good. During breakfast winds rocked my home. Forecast and my plan worked hand and gust. I drove into the Bean to hang for awhile and take on water. I recalled a dinner recipe from my bookmarks then drove down to Webers IGA to buy necessary ingredients. I have been using my pocket computer to populate a grocery list. I bought a box wine Chardonnay enough for 3 glasses. I just started my second glass, won’t make 3 glasses but the carton will be crushed. I drove out to Beaverhead early hoping to score the spot just below the permanent occupants spot where I want to be because the winds blow over vegetated land, hence no dust. I look occasionally over to the tank spot across the road, sometimes there is a dust storm. A big RV is parked over there. The spot where I was last night would be getting some of that dust. I scored the protected site.
Yesterday was another PT session. Eric worked me. I feel the pain in the joint, not the muscles that are becoming hardened.
Afterwards i drove over to Sunset Park and parked for my ride. A short pedal over green space flood area ended at the trailhead. My ride was Old Post, Skywalker, Scorpion, social trail, ramshead, today I rode Ridge all the way back. Ridge climbs up then down what Sketch kinda contours saving the grunt then loss. Hump up Ridge where there are 2 tech spots on Sketch that I lack success on. I GPS the trails I ride as I added this one to my map. Scorpion has a mix of slick rock, firm, and basalt blobs stuck in. These blobs can deflect my intended direction which the possibility flames the fear of falling, hence an injury. I’m riding a new bike that incorporated several variables that I need to experience to allow reflexes to program themselves. Today I finally pedaled the first uphill climbing turn; my concerted effort and technology propelled me to success. Down a ways the trail traverses a short rock garden. I let gravity unabated pull me over the embedded pokey rocks. A full glass of wine would have sloshed a bit, 4 sips down might have lowered the level such that there would be no slopping out. Bike is smooth. I picked up Ramshead that incorporated a better social trail going thru a wash. Next intersection was Ridge which started my climb out of Oak Creek drainage. Grunt. I hiked a bike several places and mixed in short catch breath stops. Sketch came in non the left. Back to the park and van.
I notice visible trail degradation. The Old Post reroute was done as the dirt was drying out. Getting a lot of traffic. Worn in Old Post is firm. Skywalker built this spring is unpacked and eroding. It will need a season of precip to bed in. At the intersection of Skywalker and Old Post I saw the socail trail being recognized
A man and woman arrived. We shared time together. Visitors from Salida. And do we know several same people including Mark who makes this web site share my missives w/ yall. I functioned as the local as I am treated when I visit other places. For me I cherish sharing my local knowledge w/ visitors.
I stretched a bit back at the van then drove back to Village of Oak Creek, VOC. Spring break traffic in a tourist town is patience trying. I fought uptown traffic to Fat Tire Dave’s shop. I bought a 2.4 Ardent front tire to match the rear. I made a decision to stop trying to figure which tire offered the most nuances. Stans sealant and running 21psi in rear and 20 in the front.
Going to fix dinner.
After preparing, eating and enjoying, then clean up of skillet chicken dish. Dutch oven to boil Yukon potatoes and a 10″ skillet to saute and steam the ingredients mixing in sour cream and mustard… ymmmm. Made a mess in my kitchen / bedroom. All cleaned up. Finished the wine. Added in a few gulps of moonshine. Earlier I enjoyed what some states declare as legal but many more still raise their paranoia to make illegal. Thoughts and keystroke execution will remain an interesting cross roads.
Life as I know it has change. The trails here are very dusty and loose. Yesterday I listened to voice mail from the manager of the snap where I have showered. She told me that their location is not part of Silver Sneakers that I belong to. Said I need to buy a membership to access their facility. And the end of the month is near effecting my shower at Jan’s studio. I am hoping to the end of the month for a shower after a ride.
The parking situation has been resolved as my van and me being treated as an employee of the Bean because my van acts as an attraction to the Bean. PJ, the new owner, says that even though I am now an employee he will charge me for the water I haul away. No issue here, just playful harassment. Don’t even get management motivation privileges.
On Sunday’s ride my shifting was shit. I was upset as I assumed that what was on the Spot would adjust to the RFX. An on the trail turning of screws put my gear selection in accord. Back at the Bean I was told that the add ons like I did w/ the Oneup suck and that the rear derailleur was overworking to shift up to my 42T gear. I ordered parts to make my bike a 1X11 while still using my crank and bottom bracket. Even get an 11 speed Gripshifter.
OK, I have not shared my political views as I have my own positions. However, Now is the time for me to step up to the plate and declare that Donald Trump is an abomination for what America stands for. Basing his electibility on fear and distrust is not helping America move. Dump trump.
I will be leaving Sedona soon. I have started a list of things to get done before I leave. Today Floyd cut my hair and beard not to be touched until I return this winter. Oil change this week. Shower access might extend into April. I have been thinking of leaving April 2. My route plan is to go around the country clockwise staying west of Denver till after Labor Day then busting out to the Plains and Dog days of summer. Bentonville, AR before Thanksgiving is my goal.
As daylight faded the wind dropped to match the amount of light: Calm and dark till the moon brightened the sky. Wind stayed down.