Thing about most of this desert riding is lots of full body exertion and hence wear and inflammation. Change: body wears out or wears down, slowly slowly slowly; may that be my speed.
I made Thurs rest day from riding but chores continue as the pursuit of clean clothes, and today clean sheets and the first night on tight sheets. But I previously documented that experience. The sleep was wonderful.
So, really this picks up on Friday. Today is a ride day, going to ride from Mack interchange which is the next interchange west from Loma where I stay. Route was counter clockwise leaving Mack TH pedaling frontage road for a bit to start of Troy Built then connected with Lions dirt road a 4X4 challenge at several rock outcroppings. Turn right on Mack Ridge road for pedaling on smoother dirt road but had a grunt climb. Road ends at Mack Ridge trail that stays up on like a mesa until intersection with Hawkeye for downhill finish.
Reward today was riding down Hawkeye which a newer purpose trail. It wanders across the face mixing mostly climbing with short pieces of not pedal so hard.
While getting ready in the almost plugged full parking lot a woman rider pulled in. A conversation rolled on. Rita. She was going to ride my route in the opposite direction. We missed each other because she rode down the nasty Mack descent while I pedaled up a road. I used to choose her route pushing my bike up most of it as it was shorter to top of ridge.
Then I arrived at intersection with Hawkeye when I heard my name called, I recognized the voice among a group of riders. It was Don from Galena Lodge in Idaho. We chatted a bit.
Back down at TH Rita arrived and we figured out how we missed each other. Chatted for more socializing.
Drove back to Loma spot which is full on exposed to weather. It’s been windy, like 26 mph my wind gauge reported. I maneuvered the van as best I could on this narrow ridge to face into the wind, not completely successful as the strong wind made it hard to open the slider.
OK, that takes care of Friday. Now Saturday, the day of my covid vaccination at 10 AM in Fruita at a mobile vaccine site right across the street from a Hot Tomato originated coffee shop. Maybe less than 20 recipients were around while I was there. Paper work to be filled out, wait my turn then step into the big diesel pusher mobile shot bus. Because I signed up on line I had the option of the J & J 1 shot vaccine which I chose. I sat in a seat, the shooter positioned herself to stab my left upper arm which she did. SHIT, it hurt, I tensed up, she said stop that. I relaxed for seconds as the pain level increased. I did not see the syringe for needle size and quantity to be shot into me. After all it was a puncture wound.
Today was also a no ride day. Outside was wind chilled and sunny. I drove out to McInnis canyon Devils Canyon TH for a day hike. I left camera back home. I mixed dirt and slick rock for a loop. I took my shirt off for sun exposure which later proved to be excessive where my bike jersey doesn’t cover. Red neck.
I checked my stash quantifying it if sufficient to last till I made next legal state of Oregon. Decided I did not want to run out so I drove out to Palisade to the closet dispensary. The Palisade Plunge comes down off Big Mesa into town somewhere. The trail is not on Trailforks yet. Snow is still on the mesa, still too early.
Dinner again a Sedona salad from Hot Tomato.
Change: Across the street is the new location of the Copper Club which is a small brew pub that formerly was located in a small building. It was like a dive bar in that to me it seemed most patrons were locals which connected me to community. The new location is way more spacious with a large gravel outside seating area. After dinner I walked over to check it out. People spread out, the customers appeared to be all visitors, no longer local. A band was scheduled to play. I listened to the first song which was OK but I was not going to connect with anybody so I left and drove back to Loma and the wind.
Today was another go out at Mack and Hawkeye. First was short drive back to town to buy locally roasted beans for tonight’s batch of cold brewed coffee concentrate.
Arrived at packed TH causing me to drive down the frontage road to a pull over spot. Going to pedal up Hawkeye climbing for 34 mins gaining 476′ in 2.91 miles, then down Mack Ridge to Marys start a short ways then turn on Wrangler climbing, traversing, then descending.
Took first cut over to Marys not yielding to an uphill illegal e bike rider. I just told him he was illegal, end of conversation. Continued on Marys to its end then pedaled the road back. This was the same loop I did earlier.
Returned to Loma spot to wind.
Thought is to leave tomorrow for Vernal. Drive goes over Douglas Pass at 82xx feet. Snow forecast in AM with little accumulation. Still better leave time will be mid afternoon. Vernal has rain forecast.