Get it before it gets wet

Weather forecast starting today and for the next several days is for precip in form of showers. Ride before wet sets in for those days.

Yesterday I had a gastro Dr appointment in Cottonwood where Dead Horse SP and FS trails are. I drove down there to ride while still dry. Cottonwood city is lower elevation than Sedona and must receive less precip as the flora is mostly desert of creosote bush and cat claw. Trail tread is mostly limestone which when it gets wet it sticks to whatever comes in contact with, of particular concern to mtn bike riders is the tires pick up the mud and in a short distance the wheel will not longer clear the frame. Then you carry your now much heavier bike. I got my ride in sunshine and slight wind. Short sleeve jersey working on suntan lines. 19.6 miles pedaling for hard 2 hrs 20 mins climbing 1437′. Joy of daytime weekday riding is having trails mostly to myself which happened.

Dead Horse trails, Mingus mtn background, city of Cottonwood
Yucca cactus and creosote bushes

Gastro DR stands by her original diagnosis of irritable bowel and treatment is dosing on dicyclamine which makes me slightly spacey and lessens my sharp vision, Not much fun.

AZ remains in standard time, we are now the same time as PDST. Last night the Zags played their semifinal game against San Fran which they squeaked out a win. Per ESPN game time stated 6 PM MT. I arrived at PJs just before 5 believing tip off was at 5. Seems that Google uses my location and adjusts time zones. We are now in MT.

Last night I covered my bike in anticipation of showers today. First showers hit while I was still under the covers. Wasn’t no gentle shower. I slept on hard dirt at Uhaul lot. I would not have wanted to be out in the desert as that rain prolly made the desert tracks into slippery mud.

Zags play WCC final tonight against SMC whom they have beaten 2X this season. PJs bar side again.

Took advantage to O’Reilly’s free windshield wiper blade replacement. $42 for blades.

Today I drive up to Flag to be seen by my primary care dr. Drive the canyon up and down as it is a slower and more scenic drive.

Thurs I am scheduled for van service to replace coolant system plumbing. Preventive maintenance. Van is 13 years old with 250,000 miles, things wear out. It’s about keeping the van moving instead of sitting dead on the side of the road.