Yesterday was a round trip to Flag for DR appointment. Body is notifying the medical community that issues might need addressing. Drove up canyon on clear dry road. Snow is on the ground at Flag which is 7,000′ compared to Sedona at 4,500. Filled water jug at spring always a score.
Back at Sedona I drove out to Cultural park for a hike down Girdner to the first crossing of Dry Creek to learn of the flow and what dry feet crossing would be. I have ridden this trail both ways over time. As I hiked I imagined the line I would choose. There are several sticklers. I heard the water, The creek was just around a bend. I heard the sound of a wet rotor squeal telling me water was not far away. A rider rode around the corner. We struck up a conversation. Let’s say if his stick were 6″ he would have touched the water depth. He rode Girdner which crosses the creek many times. He said at first he rock hopped then he gave up and just waded across. Data point was sufficient for me to plan a ride out Dry Creek area today that either never crossed the creek or made the fewest crossing. I learned that the tread is firm, no ruts or mud sticking to my shoes. Good to go tomorrow.
But first was a PT session with Eric. He said that I should be able to ski as I am limited when my arm reaches shoulder height. I asked me to hang from a bar. Apprehension as I avoided testing that function. I passed. My hands gave out b4 the arms.
I drove out Dry Creek road to the Chuck Wagon crossing. No rain threatened allowing me to leave the rain jacket behind. Tread was super but wet sand clung to the knobs which allowed the tires to slip a bit on the friction moves. The unmade moves of yesteryear remained unmade today. I did gain confidence on what I did ride. The pedals work, I stayed on them never loosing contact. I did hit a boulder with the right pedal which just missed smashing that foot. The Freerider shoes are so soft offering no foot protection. I should step up to the shoe that has that needed protection.
Chuck Wagon crosses Dry Creek way up high. Water was flowing. I put together a route over dry rocks making the other side with only rinsed off wheel rims. Next was traversing the bench on Mescal
Aerie was firm. Connecting to Cockscomb. I rode where the pic on the front of Will’s trail map was taken of me in the foreground. I planned on staying on Cockscomb to cross Dry Creek once more hoping for dry rocks. I failed navigation dropping down Rupp at Girdner and flowing Dry Creek. I again stepped on dry rocks using my bike as a hiking aid. Crazy thing is the tires hold air and the rims are wide so the wheels get pushed by the current and lifted. I ended up riding Girdner all the way back to teh van. Several sections have been rerouted for sustainability. I only stopped to catch breathers essentially riding the 15 miles in 2 hours non stop. Lots of short punchy climbs and body moves.
My stem is almost only the length of the diameter of the handlebar which has a slight sweep which puts my hands directly in line over the front axle continuing down to the tire contact patch. What’s needed for traction. The bike is really nimble.
Stopped at safeway for groceries then returned to Deer Pass scoring my favorite spot. Clear sky. Big Dipper still not visible. Hot air balloons have been flying(?).
Rain is forecast to return on Thurs. Ride in the sunny 50s tomorrow then hunker down.
My mouth really hurts. Just annoying. Cold liquids create a very bad ice cream headache. My tongue has left the gum graft alone but runs over the wound on the roof of my mouth. My biking has not opened the scab.
Ray Will Hubbard.