Check. 4bar 4g. check. keys on keyboard are stationary. check. Brain thoughts unobstructed flowing? working on it.
Parked at the Cultural Park out by the high school. Drove up from Beaverhead, did my last Sedona wash and said goodbye to Christy. Clean dry clothes folded and put away, wet riding clothes hung on the drying string across the back of the van, low humidity will absorb water increasing humidity inside but will be dry prolly by bed time. Only rode 4 days since last Thursday. That is per the count of liners hung.
Drove short distance down Sunset road to name sake park for ride start. yesterday I sort of washed my bike. Changed into riding gear, so nice to change out of public view while standing up. By now my left foot is max swollen such that bike socks are made too small for the extra volume. Same with my shoes but looser lace tension. Today is the Old Post, Skywalker, Scorpion, a jog of other trail pieces to connect to Sketch connecting to Ridge and more system trails back to the van. I encountered maybe 10 people, hikers or bikers in my 10.47 mile ride pedaling 1 hr 30 mins climbing 1247′.Skywalker undulates with short ups and downs but has a long up in the middle. Scorpion trends downhill over lots of basalt heads, sweeps across Pyramid
Ramshead connected to start of Ridge which works its way to Sketch junction. Sketch is a tricky hand built bench cut exposure trail but it does not climb up then drop back down like Ridge.
Water binding sand grains caught a ride up to the clouds.
I am riding these Sedona trails for the last time during this visit. Swan song. Just me, the bike, all of nature and forces, and what I can make my body do. Desert Views. No stick season here.
Leaving here Monday for Flag for a few days then on to Zunis on Thurs.
I reflect upon my life on the road. One item stands out as I am more risk adverse in my life. Years ago I was more aggressive city camping, now I prefer to stay where I am permitted. I use digital mapping to be found yet I am a capable map and compass navigator. I ride what’s known vs exploring. I walk me and my bike when I perceive the feature requires more skill and or courage than I am willing to part with. I like familiar things.