Sunrise is around 7:30. This AM the closed end faced east thus eliminating the sun alarm clock. I made a skillet bigger than an omelet using purposely left over salmon, Yukon potatoes, and broccoli steamed Dutch oven dinner from last night. Mixed in 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pieces of whole wheat toast lubricated by a cup of cold brew coffee, beans from Java Love in town. Cleaned up nicely afterwards. I drove away in time to make my 10:00 appointment for carpet cleaning up in west Sedona. Arrived on time. The guy did what the equipment could do. My carpet has been lived on. Visited Java Love for a latte and conversation. I was biding warm up time. There are still snow patches on the north facing slopes.
I parked at Sunset park which was receiving nice use from a bunch of perhaps preschool kids and parents.
I geared up. Tire pressure check: 17 in front and 18 in the rear.Today the front tire was the one needing air. Ride a bit in the parking lot going thru the mechanical actions. Mental check: now balancing on 2 small contact patches and I had better be with it to keep me on top of the rubber. All by myself. Old Post on town side still had drying mud bogs. Skywalker is mostly south facing on a slope just soaking up solar gain. I ride being aware that I might encounter another human to be prepared to share the trail. Today I turned around a corner to come face to face with a woman head down sort of fast walking. I spoke a greeting and stopped. She had ear buds in thus couldn’t hear me. Menace. Bikers with ear buds are worse. There is one wash crossing that I haven’t mastered. Today as I walked thru it I noticed a rock that had a sizeable collection of dried blood. ouch. Skywalker to Scorpion down. The ice and snow patches had melted leaving a few soft spots.
Zing down and across Pyramid. In places I am starting to keep up with the bike. A wander brought me to Ramshead then the road climb up to Ridge which has a jumbled rock feature that I haven’t made. Turn on to Sketch
Sketch has exposure raising the consequences of a mistake. Today I finally rode 2 of the difficult climbs, just 2 more to master. I just run out of grunt for the move. Sketch joined Ridge which joined Carrol canyon back to the pavement.10.91 miles climbing 1250′ taking 1hr 31 mins. Average heart rate of 126 which is 6 beats less than theoretical threshhold with max of 158. I bust my body.
Visited with Johnny of the former mtn bike heaven gang who invited me on their Sunday ride. Different culture, sort of outlaw.
Drove up the road to snap for a shower. returned the movie and rented another one. Turned out it is another Lionsgate production which generated the same error as the last 2. No tech contact from redbox. Don’t think the trouble went beyond the ill prepared customer service english is second language. Drove out to Deer Pass and parked just off the boulder pile. The FS posted info stating that rehab work is happening on this road and if you are in our way you will be asked to leave. I should plan on not lingering here tomorrow morning.
Wash day tomorrow and a ride prolly out Dry Creek area. Crossing Dry Creek which is still running presents how to stay dry or not decisions. 9PM Zag game at PJs back down at VOC.
60 degrees and sunny today. I have put back on the Bedrock sandals. Staying above freezing at night. Finally seeing the big dipper.