I waited until Friday to ride again. No elevated heart rate for 3 days, Friday was day 4. Dave installed my Praxis crank set using 170mm crank arms. I rode what I call the Llama loop which uses more trails. OK: Bell Rock, Big Park, Bell rock Llama, HT, Templeton, Breezy, Templeton, Javapi, Slim Shady. 12.87 miles climbing 1273′. I rode down 2 places I had previously walked. The shorter cranks seem to generate more power. Except there was a rubbing sound throughout the entire stroke. Bean diagnosed it as a chain alignment issue.
Back at the Bean there was a gathering of locals and seldom locals such as myself. Hung around outside on the deck till after dark. Big family, no just a bunch of riders that all have history here and share themselves.
I spent the night at the overlook as the forecast was for rain. I woke up before dawn to the sound of rain on the roof which caused me to smile as I made the safe choice of pavement. Just a sprinkle fell and the dirt would have been fine. I called Fat Tire to make sure he was in to fix the chain issue. I drove up to uptown. Visiting w/ Dave is like being a student in a lecture hall. I am informed. Dave determined that the absolute Black oval chain ring does not play well with the Praxis spider. He switched the preload washer to move the chain ring inboard to solve the rub. He previously called Praxis telling them what my parts were to which they replied, Yes, good to go. I spent the morning there.
Forecast was for rain which appeared likely. i wanted to watch the Seahawks, I caught the first quarter at Oak Creek brewery. Nothing happening conversation wise so I drove down to PJs where I caught the game till Wilson’s interception then drove out Verde Valley road finding a pull out and fixed dinner. Rain fell.
Next up was Gonzaga hosting rival ST Mary’s at 8. Last night was PJs 18th birthday. Place was slammed. They did give me a TV for the game. The Zags prevailed. I drove out to the paved overlook.
Forecast for today was showers. Jimmy gathers select riders for his Old Mans ride. I’m the oldest. Meeting was 11A at the Bean. Jimmy, Simon, JP, Sarah and myself headed out for a ramble on the east side of 179. Old school riding. They are so much faster than me. I am so much older than them.
Finished the ride at PJs for 2 beers. I loaded up and drove to west Sedona for groceries and a shower then out to Deer Pass. Raining off and on now. Here the dirt is broken rock hence no sticky mud.
Tomorrow I drive up to Flag for my annual DR primary care visit.
My mouth is not pain free but not bad enough to keep me awake. Hard to stay on top of Ibu dosage.
I am riding better this year. I rode my RFX here before leaving. During my time away I switched to almost no stem length stem, flat pedals now the Catalyst, and shorter crank arms. Bike is much better.