Grasshopper Flats town sleeping. 66 sq ft home, a tiny home. Mobile. I am allowed out to do critical errands such as groceries, drugs, laundromat, and bike riding. So far only self determined. Actually home quarantine is what my lifestyle has been. I just drive to place my home. At present Sedona and Arizona are not on mandatory home shut in.
Spent last night here also. Last night I gave thought to a ride today. I only came up with drive to Cultural park and see what my ride would be. Temp was upper 40s, chilly. I sat inside allowing the sun to turn up the thermostat. Chuck drove in. He said he and Ian were going to ride some of the newer trails. Ian arrived. We pedaled down Axis, rock hopped dry feet crossing of flowing Dry creek. Pedaled up Axis to Rover then much of the next part was rider created trails. Some places just a faint bike wheel track, others more pronounced. More than a hapless wander, a destination was known but when we got to that we planned another one. At a place out there I hope to find tomorrow I hope to find my camera which was snatched from my pack by a woody plant. No pics this post. we rode 14 miles lasting a bunch of hours, Sunny day, maybe low 60 with breezes depending upon exposure. Challenge to ride the ridden in tread. Engaged in post ride recovery beverage hydration. Sitting target for several locals to stop and visit. Very few others either bikers or hikers to share the empty social distancing. For me when riding I am quickly gapped.
Monday update: Camera found, pic added.
Friday night I enlarged the trail choices for my scramble. There are 59 segments. I drew 12 out then figured out how to ride them all. I crossed Dry creek out at AZ Cypress which caused only a partial wet left foot. My route was chosen to minimize the number of crossings. I pedaled thru one crossing afterwards my drive train started sounding unhappy. I wiggled my crank arms discovering that play was present. Shit, maybe that is the source of the skritch and not the dropper post. And my multitool lacks the lever arm to tighten the bolt. Pedal on, route would take me back to TH and my tool box. I rode a section of Mescal 2X to pick upper COF and all of Yucca. Ride data at the van was 20 miles and maybe another 3 remained. I slowly pedaled at the TH thinking whether I wanted to continue, choice was addressing the crank to continue or comfort of resting heart rate and a beer, Never ride back to the van and expect to continue.
Pulled the pedal wrench out of the tool box then inserted the allen into the crank bolt and reefed. No movement couldn’t tighten it any more. Maybe wiggle is in bottom bracket and I don’t have that tool. Called OTE who said drop on by. Wrench applied more force which tightened the crank bolt. Skritch is still sounding.
Friday the weather forecast called for snow showers after 11. I drove into VOC, parked, then looked again at the forecast. Still the same. OK, ride Llama out which allowed ride length choices. Just b4 I arrived at Bail trail junction snow really staring falling. I only carried a wind shell and not water proof. I chose Bail and turned for shelter.
Once on pavement the snow lessened yet it was wet. Once at the van the snow had quit and blue sky was overhead. I got caught in a chump hole, although later the snow clouds and wind rolled in. Later I drove out to Beaverhead being buffeted by stiff gusts. Score preferred spot. Before dinner a squall hit for several minutes then quiet. Like turning on a light switch the change was so abrupt.
Staying in town again tonight. First thing tomorrow is searching for camera. Today I attempted to record a ride track. I need corrective glasses to really read the computer, I thought I set the recording up. Once I learned I lost the camera I planned on retracing my route using that gps data. Shit, there was no track. Either I failed or the software failed. Tomorrow will be a wander to find where I think it was pulled free.
I filled out a new advanced directive form and attached it to myroadid. Mike used his computer and scanner to move that filled out form to my computer.
I noticed when pedaling on rough stuff if I lowered my seat just a skosh I had more power and control, better than full pedaling efficiency height. Before Sat’s ride I lowered the seat in the frame. Big improvement all way around as I have a stronger stroke. I noticed that ride average mph is slightly higher. Much better. I am tired writing this. My shoulder hurts. Eyes burn. Trails are becoming loose putting dust in my eyes.
Good night.
May y’all be well.