Yesterday I rode Barrel Roll etc, watched the Zags beat Kentucky, then camped at Quail.
Back stories are the devil’s details. Van parked with nose away from sunrise, positioned for afternoon sunshine to shine thru windshield now falling on my computer screen, I hung the window coverings so I could read this screen.
Back at it. Drove down to Santa Clara Preserve home of what I call collectively Barrel Roll. I parked down at the bottom of the Cove access trail, this time my pack was on my back. Grunt pedal right off the get go, 1.17 miles climbing 361′ took 15 mins, return at the end was just 6 mins of almost all coasting. At the TH I pedaled Precipice which climbs more with an introduction of tech problems to junction with Barrel Roll and Sidewinder, which is an up then back down, then join Barrel Roll for its loop back to TH, then down Cove. This is my I solved a ride route that I repeat. I continue to work the problems and gaining confidence. I am realizing that these moves are at slower than walking speed and require track stand balance and commitment to forward motion. Fall potential increases, seems these falls are the more damaging, injury risk increases which is lessening my confidence. Safer to bail and walk. But on the downhill the bike and I let gravity provide the speed. However, the down hills work my body while controlling direction. Today my upper body is chirping about yesterday. A sunny, slight breeze, 40 degree day was pleasant.
Several days ago I searched for sports pub nearby, found this one in Washington. I called seeking confirmation they would have Zags game on. Score, know where I will be Sun at 5:30. I built my day to that time. I drove to that sports bar, passing Chilis where years ago I watched Zags. I wanted the non chain establishment. As I turned onto the local bar street to see nary a car. WTF??? Sunday, closed. The person who spoke with me and I did not state Sunday or if I did she did not register that they would be closed. Shit. Turned around to drive back to Chilis which might be a long shot as they are not advertised as a sports bar. Score, TVs behind the bar. My panic to see the game was received with skill as a guy turned the TV to the game. Whew. Watched the game with focus, during timeouts I struck up a conversation with the young female bartender. Along the conversation I asked her education: she said masters in Behavior something. I fit in. Zags skillfully beat Kentucky who defended Timme less effectively than Texas. Dark drive back to Quail, scored previous spot.
Now it is late afternoon Monday, an imposed rest day. I enjoyed the wonderful weather hiking Boy Scout trails. These trails are built to be similar to the mesa trails. Hiking required proper foot placement. Years ago I rode and walked what I chose to, today, I lack the confidence to tackle them, See above about slow speed.
Past: On Sat I rode Hurkin cliffs a big loop, from anchor spot at corral. Pedal out upper Goulds to highway crossing to JEM TH. Last year on this trail I saw earth moving construction to create a water impoundment. This year their construction was validated by holding water.
That water would have flowed downhill, instead it is trapped cutting off downstream. Today cattle is grazed here, even today with no edible forage for cows look at pic.. BLM spent public $ to benefit 1 rancher cattle grazing and to the detriment of wildlife.
Sat I visited OTE. I asked if I could squirt off the dried Moab mud off my bike. Short story the shop assigned a grom to wash my bike. They did it as a courtesy to me and the grom needed a task. My bike was so well cleaned it looked almost new. I thanked all for work. The frame actually shines.
This week’s temps are forecast for 50s. Afternoon chill coming on at 4:28, temp is 57 in the sunshine per outside van temp sensor. The side door is open to air cooler than recorded. I shut the door.
Riding seems to come down to 3 things: skill acquisition, application of said skill, and the actual commitment. I am lacking commitment.