Tuesday morning PT session introduced several stretching exercises with no needles, even another therapist. Being passed around for more enjoyment. The result was I was able to stand up without any pain and a bonus of greater flexibility. More sessions are scheduled coupled with my home work I will be fixed.

March 13, 1972 was my first day of joining the permanent work force. Foundry laborer. Molten metal.

Yesterday was another in a string of rain events. Puddles still remain. Last night the temp dropped to 27 degrees. Furnace ran all night. Snug as a bug.

Yesterday at the overlook parking the same guy cruised the lot and left. He returned a bit later then came over to me to start a conversation. I said go away, I don’t want to be involved with you. He started whining about me not joining him in the great AZ out of doors. His buddy with the hot car visits but remains inside his rig, never the 2 of them at the same time. Appears to have the same meeting up for gay pick ups.

Saw gastro DR in afternoon. Diagnosis: need more fiber in diet and prescribed a colon relaxer.

Drove back to Sedona for a late afternoon ride from Sunset park, my usual SSS loop. While riding Skywalker a woman rider overtook me. She identified Web Cyclery jersey from behind. She is from Bend. Last conversation we had as she just pedaled away. Nice sunny day, did experience wet spots, several washes were either flowing or still holding water. I did acquire red splatters.

On Ridge just up from Chavez road this is what I saw:

Need live ones to feed on voles and rabbits, nature’s check mechanism.

As in my back. Last week I offered to help lift a heavy object, I slightly bent my knees while keeping my back straight. I lifted: sudden pain hit my lower back. WTF? I came up lame and in pain.

Thurs I drove up to Flag for a pulmonary function test to learn if I have a breathing issue. I enjoyed my time with the tech performing the tests. Results: I am normal. Nothing to correct other than my effort, I seem to push myself harder than my lungs can meet that demand.

Quick return trip from Flag. First stop was local chiro to work over my back. He put some muscle behind his manipulations which resulted in several loud pops. I stood up noticing immediate pain relief. He said the fix might not take which would require more visits. Pain and loss of range of motion returned. No riding because of pain. I returned Sat AM for more manipulations resulting in more pops. Fri I drove up to urgent care for a PT referral. She prescribed muscle relaxers which only made me spacey. She did write a referral for PT. Scampered to clinic to make appointment for Tues. Today I will give the chiro another go.

Wet periods mixed with sunshine wets the trails then dries them out. More of same for this week. Been staying at the paved overlook when the desert is too slippery to drive on. One night at the overlook a guy tried to pick me up. Fruitless for him. Started conversation by asking about camping. Duh. Great opening question kind of like will you help me look for my lost puppy? I was preparing dinner trying to follow a recipe and ignoring him. He became bored and finally left.

Sunday i joined the old gang for a Johnnys garage ride out in West Sedona. Learning more social trails. TrailDoc celebrated his 70th birthday.

I took on a full catclaw bush swack on my right arm. I was following a rider too closely as he brushed past the plant. He pulled it in his direction until it released then I caught it on the recoil. My upper arm has multiple punctures. I needed to keep pedaling to maintain balance. I saw what would be happening but decided remaining upright was more important that punctures.

Rain is falling. Beautiful morning blue skies, nice temp, forecast called for 30% showers mainly after 11 with greater probability for rest of day continuing into Wed morn. Got my ride in while the weather deteriorated. I put the rain cover over my bike before rain fell. Another night at the overlook. vehicles were driven on “road” to MP4 sleep spot leaving monster ruts. Slow driving picking the high spots.

Zags start WCC conference play tonight. Still ranked #1 in country. Will watch game at PJs shortly.

Daylight savings time rolled in Sunday except for AZ and seveal other states. We are no PCDT.

Off to have back fixed.

Monday I tore the water system apart and removed the water tank. I filled it with water then checked for leaks: none were found. I was able to reinstall the parts then filled the tank. No leaks, still the odor. Next step will be to plug the drain hose then fill the hose with bleach water. Did that this morning. Warm enough outside to leave the door opened. Sometime later today my nose will tell me if I eliminated the odor.

Last night I attended the first night of the Banff film festival movies. Ran into several people from the community I have met. Great documentation of human exploits, courage, and dedication.

Logan and Virginia from Brevard are here. We rode together on Monday, the SSS loop. Logan rides a hard tail and is faster than me. At times I was close enough to his wheel to subconsciously follow his hard tail line. Not overly good as he rode less chunky lines. Nice day. Virginia crashed towards the end of the ride, she doesn’t know what caused it but it smacked her down good leaving her with openings in her skin and a headache.

Yesterday she did not join Logan and me as we rode what I name the Hog loop. It was the first ride on Llama after the snow melt and festival. There definitely cast in wheel ruts… and more foot prints. I know what I am able to ride and what I choose to walk which for Logan riding some of it first time, he made 2 bad choices which dumped him on the ground. Bruises, no structural damage. He was riding the new Revel bike which is quite the hoot in suspension solutions. I pedaled it a bit on pavement, it seemed to take more effort to turn the pedals than my Turner RFX. Did not experience the suspension. Bike is a 29er and frame size large. Still content with my almost 3 year old bike. March 19 is its first ride date.

Weather here is frequent showers between a few days of sunshine, don’t diss rain in the desert. Still no regrowth on prickly pear. Monday at Sunset park I saw manzanita blossoms but only at the park.

Last night was warm enough to not burn the furnace all night. I lowered the setting and it cycled as it should. Still faced with cleaning the tank.

Tomorrow is a day trip up to Flag to be evaluated for breathing problems. I want to know if I am a healthy 69 yo who pushes too hard or if something is not right in my body.

Outer Limits is new trail that I have been helping build is named as such as it is the outermost trail in this western gateway system. The final part completed goes over the western side of Cockscomb which eliminates being on private property.