That means sufficient quantity of precip fell on the drainage which starts way up on the Mongollon rim. Fact that enough moisture fell that it needs to run down hill. First time since I have been here. However, yesterday I crossed Dry Creek out at Western Gateway trails and it was its namesake. Its drainage is lower down. Mud puddles on the MP4 spot are drying up. The drought last year was so hard that plants exhibit attached dead leaves and, in case of manzanita, berries are still attached. I believe normally at this time those bushes would be showing blossoms. Drought kill on desert plants. Cows are still not out on where I sleep as there is no green.
Today marks the 5th “birthday” for my Turner RFX. Dig this info: 1,070 rides covering 15,274 miles.
Yesterday I rode out at Western gateway trails from Cultural Park, 14.7 miles climbing 1155′ pedaling for 1 hr 56 mins. Heart rate data of 56 mins in range but 1 hour in the energy inefficient zone above 128 beats. My breathing, or lack of efficiency, causes me to stop for a blow but not my heart. The EDGE calculated 28 hrs of recovery, yet this morning my heart rate is in low 50s which indicates sufficient recovery. I will rest or hike today.
Yesterday towards the end of my ride I felt a suspension stitch as it had a knock at a point in the travel. I removed the shock to eliminate it and still felt the knock. Going to have the pivots checked. I am starting a search for a new bike frame as current geometry offers significant improvement over my RFX. Newer designs are longer, lower, and slacker offering greater stability. I contacted DT asking him for his recommendation for a bike that rides like a Turner if he would have designed it. He said he had no suggestion and that it is up to me to make my choice. Shit, analysis paralysis. I am hoping that the suspension problem is in the bearings that can be replaced to put off making a new bike decision.
Reading “Angle of Repose” by Wallace Stegner, winner of Pulitzer back in 1972. History, we forget or not know from which we came. I saw this truck which is not mine but I drove one back in the mid 70s before I wrapped it around a tree when I slid off a snow covered road.
State of the art at that time: no shoulder restraint as I bounced my nose off the steering wheel leaving a scar across my nose, no intermittent wipers, dimmer switch on the floor, no air conditioning, just drum brakes, no head rest. But it carried my 250cc Husky dirt bike. Not same as horse and buggy.
Zags play their first dance tomorrow night.
Last night was pleasantly comfortable with needing furnace heat in the darkest hours are before dawn. Sandals back on but still long pants and shirt. Yesterday I rode in shorts expecting sun burning but no redening. Working on putting color back on my white legs.
That’s all for now, on with the living.