Sometimes all it takes is money. My van’s health is much better with several new parts for the turbo, monthly prescription refill was applied to annual deductible, eye exam established I would see better with a new prescription and frames to hold lenses in, and so far the cat claw scrapes and yucca leaf penetration has not infected. The Zags overcame their own weaknesses to win Sat night and remain ranked #1. Mud on the trails is becoming firm in ever increasing locations. And daytime temps are almost short sleeves.
Friday Doug and I rode a loop backwards to my usual route which turned out to be pleasurable either way. We started from Cultural Park taking new trails till we hit Girdner to Rupp where we crossed running Dry Creek. Outer Limits back to start was more enjoyable as the 2 stiff climbs going the other was were coast downs. The climb out earned just a partial smile and was rideable. On the climb out we encountered a solo rider and struck up a conversation. The guy asked if we knew Craig Bierly. I raised my arms pleading guilty. How do I know or remember the guy? Once he said the name of a ride we did together I remembered him. It was Paul from BV, CO. My bike accumulated mud such that I needed to wash it off, again outside with cold tap water.
Sat I wanted to ride Old Mans and Rabbit ridge to experience my improved suspension. I invited Doug and Paul along to share trails that they would never know about. Rabbit Ridge is a below grade shallow grade climb but is very taxing. The bike was more pleasurable to ride but again the engine was my limiter.
I rode against catclaw bushes as that was my needed line. The claws raked my shins adding red color streaks to my shins. The blood finally coagulated. Further on a mistake put me straight on to a yucca leaf that buried into my right shin to the bone. There was still ice on several puddles in a wash on our return. Mud build up was not sufficient to wash off.
Watched the Zags at PJs. ran into Duane who during catch up he told me about a Sunday morning ride down in the village with many riders I know and might be less controversial than another group I could have joined.
Sunday AM I overslept to make the W Sedona ride so I caught the VOC ride. Again freeze thaw mud was taken into account which directed us to Turkey Creek off Verde Valley school road. 8 of us. Road pedal to dirt left me way behind. Once on the dirt I still lagged but they waited at intersections. I heard someone say 29 30 which is what Spokane folks call out when the last rider joins the group. The deal is for the group to give the last rider a rest as they count to 30. The pimp is to count 29 30 then take off drastically shortening that rider’s rest. I told one of the riders in the past about that pimp, they pulled it on me. Trails are mostly social trails created by horse and maybe some ridden in pieces.
I have 20 to 30 years over those riders, my engine just doesn’t match their effort.
I washed mud and sweat off then licked my wounds over a beer at PJs while watching a bit of the Seahawks game then drove out to MP4 for the night.
Today was eye exam. Eyes are in great age affected condition. My vision can be improved with slightly stronger prescription which I stepped up to.
Starting the new year I have spent $660 for glasses, $441 for meds, $221 for teeth, and $228 for the van. The price for my quality of life.
Made today a rest day.