Yesterday was another beautiful high desert day. Chilly at night, below freezing, and warming up into 50s. Today it is 60 degrees.
I left Beaverhead for VOC for a ride. I chose Turkey Creek because I expected it to not be crowded as like Bell Rock and Hogs would be. Only know about mostly deserted Turkey. I parked at the former site of SNAP then pedaled Verde Valley School rd for a bunch of miles till picking up a social trail to the system trails, systems as much as I can figure as there are several social trails. I had looked forward to riding the features that I have not been able to ride. I expected my improved skills would overcome. At several features, after first failure, I sessioned several I made, others were either because my engine lacks power or the feature still escaped my prowess. At the junction to the ocotillo forest social trail I encountered 2 riders riding it backwards to how locals have lead me. They preferred their way and told me I would like their way better. I chose their way which required pushing my bike up the nasty, steep, loose, descent from the other direction. This way I was able to let gravity pull me down pieces that I would have walked. The locals are able to ride those ups and slither down that descent. Either way i would walk something. I now prefer their way. 15.9 miles pedaling for 1 hr 49 mins climbing 1145′ One cat claw scratched leg. Dried flowing blood added color to my pale skin.
Little precip fell last year which stressed vegetation.
My body is feeling wear from all my riding. My damaged shoulder is sending different pain signals of concern. My right piriformis hurts to pedal and sit. Today I set out to obtain a DR referral for PT. In Sedona there is 1 emergency clinic for this need. The wait line was hours long. I parked in the lot and went in to register. I saw Amie’s car in the lot, she is a mtn biker and works there. I settled in for my wait. Before my report call she visited me and offered an appointment for tomorrow morning, accepting a more certain time or hanging for several hours. I accepted tomorrow then drove back down to VOC and later Beaverhead. I am not riding every day now because I hurt. PT has worked in the past so unless there is structural damage to my shoulder I should respond.
This COVID issue has cut me off from social interaction. I miss not interacting in person. Here in Sedona over the years I have established contacts. Today driving in W Sedona a car pulls abreast me and the male passenger calls my name and a greeting. It was Billy Idol, one of those contacts, he is a legacy rider here. Later a horn honk and it was Dave from Fat Tire. Brief but significant.
I am still figuring the cannabutter fudge dosage. Several variables: the extraction process or the amount of butter required per recipe. The fudge has a pot taste that does not deter from the enjoyment of the chocolate fudge. I’m not down for really pigging out in case I finally reach the tipping point. I was successful with previous cookies I made as Billy will attest to.
Internet speed is faster here in VOC vs Beaverhead. Task completed here, soon to return to desert. So far permitted grazing cows are on the other side of the road. When the ranch hands start water hauling to the nearby tank I am free of this year’s manure.