Or managing users. You can build the trail but users have say so as they establish lines. Managing users to ride the built trail.
Last night I remained stationary while rigs passed me going further out. Daylight revealed the sprawl. Nobody came to visit me, old codger.
I planned a big ride for today, similar to one Steve set us on once. I rode from camp past the gathering at the flat spot.
A bit of major traffic dirt road riding to pick up sandy Lasso trail skirting the new group campsites then Chisholm to end at Big Lonely then turning right which somewhere along the way it changes names to Coney Island. I prefer riding this part of Navajo Rocks system in this direction because it is mostly downhill and present conditions are the sand is loose. Coasting is better than pedaling against gravity and high rolling resistance. Past Middle Earth to junction with 7 Up and start of the climb out. Several ride length choices were presented in the Horsethief system. I vacillated how much work I wanted to undertake. I took the Mama Bear choice and climbed Hidalgo. Lengthier ride choice was made to ride Mustang the longer way around to connect with start of Chisholm back to Lasso then pedal the road back. 20 miles climbing 1437′ pedaling for 2 hrs 43 mins under clear skies and mid 60s. Pleasant conditions. Many riders on Coney Island trail. Average heart rate is below anaerobic threshold. Average speed is still in the 7’s.
This about that on these trails. SAND and it is loose and grabby, particle sizes are smaller than Sedona which offered better resistance. This loose stuff will suck your steering front wheel, Turning is a mix of steering and carving. I have not dialed my confidence reflexes to push the turns. trail corridor does a good job of routing us on slick rock which is faster. Awareness lights switched on as I paid attention to the placement of dead wood pieces lining both sides of the trails.
When in doubt: belt and suspenders:
My table top thru use wore off the protective varnish coating. I put off applying the required new coat. I bought the brush, sanding block, and varnish back in Sedona. I put the stuff in the JOBOX where I could not see it. I made excuses numerous times to not do it. This morning I got after it before I pedaled away and now the table top is shiny. I figured that my ride would be long enough for the varnish to dry which it did. I turned on the exhaust fan to evacuate the curing vapors.
And of vapors. During my ride a large insect landed on the left side of my head below helmet line. I was not concerned that it was a stinging bug. It was tangled in my hair. After a bit I swatted at it blindly. It emitted a nasty smell. Down the way I stopped and took off my helmet and ran my fingers thru my hair expecting to strain out the squashed remains but came away clean. I wiped down those hairs during post ride clean up.
So my van is like a delivery truck with a harsh ride. Because the suspension doesn’t take the jarring out I drive slowly when off road. Parked where I am I watch like trucks and SUVs drive by me going faster than I choose and creating a dust cloud. No slowing down when they go by other campers. I am courteous by default but they lack courtesy to be concerned of their impact.
Tomorrow I plan on leaving early and dash to town to resupply hoping to not get caught up in backup. But then the construction might not work on Sunday.
Remark: I have ridden 4 rides since leaving Sedona and I have not bled once.
Perhaps a reason for large number of people here is that weather is comfortable now. Temps are forecast lower 70s and upper 60s. Expect as temps rise people will move on.