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.

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.