Sunday night my abdomen was very unhappy. My concern is intestine strangulation from possible hernia. I have insufficient info to comprehend my pain. I canceled my ride with Steve at Indian Springs. I made way and drove to ER in Ketchum. DR there told me that if strangulation occurs I will be in bad shape, I was nowhere near that level. Next step is still the appointment with the surgeon on Tues.
New plan was to meet Steve out at Croy trails. These trails are purpose hand built trails on BLM land. Place to ride early and late season as temps ride scorching riders with no shade. Today the temp was starting with a long underwear top and on rain wetted tread. Excellent conditions. And wild flowers are starting to bloom effusing the air with their bouquet. Various aspects and elevation locations displayed 3 colors of lupine. Bermed corners on firm dirt. Caution required as mud patches were at places I wanted to carve my front wheel in for cornering. Mud gives way. Not many but kept me on my toes. Drop the seat, fully weight my pedals, upper body angulation, weight transfer, and grin.
Just fun riding on smooth treads.
Drove to Steve’s place south of Bellevue for more visiting and sleeping in his driveway.
Tuesday morning was surgeon exam. Connected with DR, his wiggling finger located a hernia. Small at present. He said when do you want it fixed. Tomorrow? No, needed several days to come down from anti coagulant. Surgery now scheduled for next Wed. 20 min operation to place a apiece of mesh over the gap. recovery is about a week. May this be the cause of my abdominal pain.
Steve and I later met at Oregon gulch for a ride on a loop he named Trade Route. This location is now under tree cover, big climbs and descents, and hero dirt. Woods dirt. Legacy hand built trails. Humper climbs that I used granny gear on. At the top of one climb my phone rang, it was the DR office that needed to collect vitals and sign a piece of paper at the office before 4:30 go home time. We needed more time to complete the ride so we turned around to ride what the route would not have traveled. reward for the hump. Woods dirt, slightly bermed bends caused by years of riders, natural occurrence. Short ride of 6.45 miles but climbing 1236′ for a whopping 192′ per mile which is typical of rides here in Woods River Valley.
America is a big and varied land mass. I am now back where water is present. Just so green. 4 months in desert Sedona, time in Hurricane and Moab deserts. Trees not much taller than me, open sight lines, slick rock, no water drought. Such a dichotomy here and so exotic to my last almost half year. Towns going up Woods River are Bellevue, Hailey, then Ketchum aligned on state highway 75 and hemmed in by BLM and FS land. Slower pace life, formerly agrarian no populated by expensive vaca homes and $100 plus day ski pass. Steve pointed out that the summer crowds have not arrived which will affect life. Presently I am enjoying local life. To Steve I keep remarking on what’s here. My broken record track.
I made my stops at Chip’s Sun Summit South shop and Elephants Perch in Ketchum. I met Chip 20 years ago on my first bike adventure here. He greeted me with a hurmph. Bob Bergdahl, Bowe’s father is working there, he greeted me with a hello and hand shake. They were wondering when I would arrive. Friendly exchange.
At the Perch I chatted with Jason the service manager and also involved with NICA. I am curious how post NICA is affecting those racers and how they are participating in mountain biking community. The program has a requirement for trail work. Specialized shop that sells an Ebike. Nappy was pushing an e bike in the shop, I asked him where he would ride it. He said anywhere as he turned off the e-assist making the bike pedal only. How much fun is pedaling an almost 50# bike. Interesting position. Nothing to stop the rider to turning on the e assist. The AZ trail goes thru Grand Canyon where bikers are required to pack their bike the entire 20 some miles. This packing eliminates the likelihood of a rider riding their bike where it is not allowed. Turning off the power is no guarantied assurance that the rider will not resort back to power.
I bought a pound of salmon for Steve to grill for dinner. I told him I lack funds to take him to dinner but I can bring a part of dinner and let him fix it. He did a scrumptious job. Steve is my Sun Valley host.
There are vacant buildings in Bellevue along the main drag but they lack the decrepit decay look. In Hailey I looked at this Baptist church that strikes me as an old west church.
Forecast here is for frequent showers. Yesterday lightning flashed. I replaced my wind shirt with my rain jacket in my pack. More riding today.