Cat Claw leafing out

Tues Ian took me on a ride out Turkey Creek area. Jim drove us out in his Sportsmobile conversion Sprinter, his 2015 year rides so  much nicer than mine. We rode from main parking lot on Verde Valley School rd. Well, youngsters dropped the hammer while I huffed and puffed after them. Noticeable was seeing cat claw leafing, w/o leaves I recognize the plant by its branches shape. The leaves will blur that tell.

cat claw leafing

See the “claws”, notice the shape: curved like a cat’s claw. Pulling against the claw drives the claw deeper into your skin. It ain’t pretty and certainly not to repeat the learning experience.

Ian and Jim and ocotillo forest

Short ride followed by leisurely afternoon lunch at Colt beside Absolute bike shop.

Yesterday morn temp was in the 20s. Windy also. Heater made for comfort.

Last session with PT Eric who continues to report that my body parts are properly aligned and functioning. My bruise ribs are sending diminishing pain signals, I can brush my hair with my right arm almost painless. He told me to put pressure where I am sore but not heavy enough to produce tears. I told about my settling effort, he said intervals are the key. He showed me and app, simple interval trainer, which is a timer, set up numbers then hit start button then respond to the audible sounds. Intervals, well, I will say no more about “enjoyment”, I will follow his advice.

note under my windshield wiper

I rode yesterday after his session. I was rung out by just my usual effort, 10miles climbing 876′ pedaling for 1 hr 32 mins. Average bpm was 125, I spent 52 mins anaerobic. recovery adviser said 30 hours, I took today off.

This AM I stopped for social Americano at Oak Creek espresso. I was asked if I was driving up to West Sedona and if so could I give a woman customer a ride up. Today, Thursday, is laundry day in west Sedona. I said yes then was introduced to the woman. She did not shriek when I was introduced. I dropped her off at her destination, she pleasantly thankful for ride and I enjoyed our conversation.

Don, I am reading Andersonville about confederate POW camp for Union soldiers, touch of period history and man’s inhumanity to humanity. Also, local Matt said he has a similar snake that visits him, he says it’s a bull snake as you also said.

Revel bikes route the derailleur and rear brake hose exposed under the bottom bracket. I happened to look under the bottom bracket and noticed my shifter cable housing has been squished from bottoming out on something hard. Cable replacement tomorrow.

The FS graded the severely rutted road, 1st right after overlook, which made it easier to drive on, the area has become populated. So far where I stay further down the road does not get that traffic.