Towards the end of yesterday’s ride at VOC I modified my riding effort to lessen my blow ups from pushing. I started riding in my 2nd largest cog up from my favored 3rd which required more effort (duh), today I favored that 2nd gear allowing me to more continually pedal. My breathing was more controlled. Today’s 15.4 miles climbing 1437′ pedaling for 2 hrs 17 mins, average bpm was 120. Seems going up 1 gear and working at a jogging speed instead of running increased my enjoyment and anticipation of next ride. Average speed is just a tad slower. My cassette is an 11 speed 10T-46T, maybe 2nd is 40T and 3rd is 36T, I am a stranger to the 46T. My chain ring is 30 T oval.
So, rolling with the punches life connects to my life…. Current: this 6 AM the heater quit. I was laying snuggled under my covers listening to the heater blower and combustion. While running I heard the fuel sparker clicking meaning fuel problem. UUUoh, error code said fuel problem. I slipped into the chill and started the stove, nary a flame. Ran out of propane. Action: I drove into VOC arriving at 7 AM in belief the station would fill me. No way, guy said 1) it was dark, 2) he was alone, 3) waiting for replacement part. Next is ACE in Sedona that opens at 8. Time to spend somewhere warm, espresso shop lingering over a small americano. Arrived at ACE just before opening, parked at the gate for first in line. Filled tank, drove out to Cultural Park for bfast and heat.
Because I am up here and there are trails I have yet to ride this visit. I waited to almost 11 before heading out, still chilly enough for upper layer and knickers. I rode Girdner out, first part is legacy hiking trail mix of wide, loose rock, rock gardens, just would be no fun to climb. Down almost at Dry Creek the trail becomes newly purpose built. Newer built trails are very sustainable that require little maintenance and are easier to ride. Girdner to the end the first time on Anaconda climbing out of creek, Dawa for more climbing then Cockscomb for more climbing then short drop to junction of Outer Limits that I would ride all the way back. I GPSed new pieces. Saved map shows many squiggly tracks. Out here Cockscomb is the prominent land mark.
Enough of Cockscomb. Its shape is determined by your relationship to it.
Torturously slow uploading, no patience for included pics. Maybe add some time. Weather has been just gorgeous as pics will show. ( Thurs AM update: drove to Posse Grounds park for Soldiers wash ride waiting warming. Heater running with thermostat facing sun which will reach temp setting long before from front seat.)
So, inside my van I had been smelling perhaps mold because of wet warped ceiling paneling. Reason to replace that paneling but I need to find someone to make the changes. I did pull up the flooring at the water fill basin seeing wet, I positioned the mat in the sun and waited. Earlier I bought varnish etc to seal water damage area under the refill basin. I planned on applying varnish b4 riding to cure during my ride. Darn, I allowed the wet to dry linger as I headed out for a ride. Afterwards I slathered the chemical on the wood. Darn, many hours passed as the smell lessened. Maybe that’s where the smell comes from which I hope. I learned of a van conversion company up in Flag I contacted yesterday about replacing ceiling pane, waiting answer.
Tuesday I rode down at VOC pedaling Big Park, Single track bypass, Llama, HT, Templeton, Breezy, Templeton, Coconino, Shades. I sessioned several spots with success; however that climb from patch of slick rock still remains unclimbed by me. To me it appears some rock work was performed to lessen the initial step up. Hooray for that help. Another beautiful chilly day.
Seems that original map signs out at Western Gateway area that were donated by bike shops have been replaced with new signs donated by red rock trail fund. New signs lack the you are here indicator.
Again wonderful trail network and so few to share it with. Yesterday I shared with prolly fewer than 25 people. Just stay away from popular spots like Bell Rock and Devils Bridge. Haven’t ridden Chuck wagon and Mescal yet because they are very popular with hikers. Been there, ridden there, don’t need to compete with others.