Life will roll along. However, when genetics and life style choices manifest adversely life becomes curvy and bumpy. I believe genes are my downfall.
During DR exam on Tues I asked could my pain be a hernia? He said drop your drawers and I’ll check. Nuts withstood his manual manipulation. Turn your head to the side and cough. i learned that the turning of the head is to avoid hacking in the drs face. Anyway, suspected as such. Told me of possible intestine strangulation could occur. If pain gets worse get to the hospital. Gave me a surgeon referral as the surgeon makes the repair call. I called the office hours later. Yes, they had my referral, when would I like to come in? as soon as possible. How about earliest is June 5. I “celebrated” by later riding Campbell Basin trails sharing some of what I previously had ridden. Open P pine and juniper. What I helped build was never found although i saw where it might have been. The loop I rode was MTBP, the tread was almost sidewalk avoided nay single track. Met a group of women riders. As I approached one of them cheered “Arkansas” per my jersey. They were formerly of said state. Visited awhile bringing them up to date on the state’s trails.
Drove from east to west end of town along Route 66 to anytime for a shower. Cleaned I returned up Schultz creek where some one got to my previous spot first. i drove a little further till I found an acceptable spot.
During the night my stomach and perhaps hernia spot misbehaved. I diagnosed intestine strangling needing immediate attention. I prepared myself for surgery by drinking only cup of coffee, took a baby aspirin instead of anticoagulant and prepared a hospital stay bag. I drove to the hospital which is on this end of town. Walked into emergency, first in line, processed then ushered to an exam booth. Questioning gathering data, repeat manual exam by a woman ER doc. She also suspects a hernia. Nothing to do but have a surgeon render opinion.
Friend Steve shared a DR office in Ketchum. After the ER visit I called to make an appointment. Voice mail said closed on Wed (today). I made the decision I did not want to wait around Flag for surgeon. I wanted to be seen much sooner. I called back on Thurs. When can you be here she said. I expected office visit weeks away. I said I was in Dolores, CO and could be there Tues. Fine, 11AM it is. I am now rationing time and body abuse to make Tues date. Got ahead of myself.
I left Flag for Dolores, CO and Boggy Draw trails making town before sundown. Route went right at Four Corners. Arizona dry desert. Once into SW corner of CO the land greened up from sufficient water. Irrigated crops. Trees taller than 2X my height. What water does. Stopped at local brew pub for a beer. Heartening to see the place packed, most attending cover charge music concert out back. For dinner I shopped at Surprise Deli right on main highway. Surprise as the quality of food inside: not your regular gas station fare. Baked halibut pieces found the inside of my van. Fish starts to stink quickly once out of refrigeration.
I figure out a ride while sitting at my table. Sure, the distance and elevation makes sense. I fall asleep thinking about tomorrow’s ride. Next day I pedal away on the planned ride. Effort is expended, a trail to shorten the distance. Hmm, less is more, I bail. Not in Sedona as I understood what each trail demanded. This bail occurred on a Flag ride. For Dolores I chose to ride the McFee lake overlook trail for 9 miles as either as a connector to Bean canyon and a road ride finish or just O&B the vista trail. I rode from town, There seemed to be more downhills heading away which would have to pedaled or pushed back up. I committed to the Bean Canyon climb out and the road back. Last year I ride this part of Bean canyon. I remember pushing up some of it. Umf. Today I kept my gears lower to climb some stuff I previously walked. Granny is better. Been thinking about the Eagle 12 speed with a 50T cluster gear. Low gearing. The area is well behind in yearly rainfall.
Followed a previous slitherer
Ran into a 75yo solo male hiker. We stopped and visited. He told me about the lack of rain and snow melt. He said that zebra mussels are such a threat that the land manager requires mandatory inspection prior to launching but only on days and hours the inspection stations are manned. Shortened hours caused by lack of funding.
Ride was 13 miles of trail with 4.6 miles of road back. Trail ends up on top of mesa above town.Screaming downhill on pavement being buffeted by strong winds, reached 33 mph. 17.4 miles climbing 1545′. Was enjoyable and was able to complete the arm chair planning. The lakeview trail is hand built well executed.
Thurs was laundry day, nearest laundromat was back in Cortez and also a shower. Drove back to town and completed tasks. Previously I stayed out at the airport parking lot. I could have stayed there but wanted the forest up Bogey Draw where I stayed last night.
Today I drove to Moab and desert and smooth slick rock. Stopped at grocery store and filled my water tank 1 gallon at a time from Gearheads. I will ride only 1 day here. I was tossed by Navajo Rocks or Klondike. each had their pulls. I chose Klondike as it is just off my northerly direction of travel. As I drove N I saw large gatherings of off road vehicle trailers. Still lots of visitors in the area. Drove out to N Klondike TH to find just a few campers along the road. Picked previous spot: full on sun and stiff gusts of wind. Tomorrow is a ride here then continuing to Ketchum. Tomorrow will be a ride, drive, then camp day. Meeting Steve Mon AM for a ride at Indian Springs.
Doobie Sisters in Cortez satisfied my thc want. Bought edibles: 10mg dose left me under its effect. One was enough.
78 degrees, 4565′ at 5:47PM. Breezey.