This spring here in Sedona has been one wet event after another. Two weeks ago it was snow, since then several rain events, one of which was Tues night dumper, creating Oak Creek flooding and rock slides on 89A in canyon. I parked facing a wash and watched runoff rise up its sides. mass dump. Wed morn the flood was just a trickle. No riding on Wed.
Steve arrived Mon afternoon full of anticipation of riding red dirt instead of white snow. We did a short ride around Big Park. Beautiful day for reacquainting him to Sedona riding as I enjoyed his smiles. Earlier this year I became aware of the demands this riding extracts from a winter body not conditioned for the all around body workout riding.
Steve took this of me, seems my belly protrudes as the shutter is released
We spent peaceful and comfortable night out off Beaverhead.
Tues we me at shooting pit off Dry Creek ride to ride trails on other side of raging Dry Creek which is swollen by melt and run off covering every dry feet stepping stones. Our ride immersed Steve into a mix of system and cross country trails. 13.9 miles climbing 1106′ pedaling for 2 hrs 9 mins. Forecast called for rain event as day progressed as we observed clouds dropping and blocking out the sun. It was coming so we shortened our ride to beat the rain. Parking at this spot staged us for crossing Dry Creek on name sake road bridge. The creek would have made a thrilling class 2 rapid, more importantly for us was dry feet. Our route would have been a lollipop return to cross this bridge, however we shortened our ride per above taking Dawa and a wet feet crossing, water reached mid shins with velocity. We beat the rain. During the ride Steve’s wife called telling him that she had fallen on snow and had possibly broken her wrist. Steve heeded her call for help by cutting his multiday visit short and driving the 2 days back to Bellevue, ID and white dirt.
Spring break season in a non beach town swells traffic to almost unimaginable levels. Tues driving back to VOC took 28 mins to coast down the hill and thru Talaqua what ever. I spent night in outlet mall.
Oh, the parking lot at former outlet mall. Signs are posted banning overnight parking or camping which I had honored. Mike at the Worm used to have his business here and knew the property manager whom I met years ago in his store. Mon I was parked there when a pickup pulled up beside me and the driver struck up a conversation. I clicked on the person was said manager. I asked and was given overnight permission. Score. Paved sleep spot.
Wed heavy rain loosened rocks to slide onto 89A up the canyon closing it. Thurs I had a heart test up in Flag, My only route was driving I17 uphill and because it was Thurs I needed to find a laundromat in Flag. Made the drive and washed clothes at found laundromat near NAU. I put my wet shoes in the warming sunshine on the passenger seat. Mostly dried out. Additional data gathered on my heart. Drove back down to VOC. S bound slow lane on interstate has many patches of broken pavement, driving over them jarred my eye teeth.
Doug and I sought to ride on Friday but concern was for dry trails after rain during the night. We met at Sunset park with acceptance of having to turn around because of muddy trails. We were surprised at how dry they were and so few muddy spots. Sunshine.
Carroll canyon side. My breathing has become more labored, air goes in and out yet I get out of breath on climbs. Seeking to learn cause and if repair is possible. Is it age or bad body parts?
Friday night, ST Pat’s day, was Gonzaga’s opening game in the Big Dance. PJs in VOC is my go to watching spot. Today the drive thru the Y took less time. PJs was packed with patrons wearing green. I am Pagan and refused anything green. Zags won to advance to next round on Sun. They are a number 3 seed.
Today back up in West Sedona for a ride. Forecast next week is for more rain events. Many dry days will pass before Dry Creek can be dry feet crossed.
Shocking: Steve said ebikes were allowed on Croy trails outside Hailey which are on BLM land. BLM’s official ebike policy is that they are only allowed if the local manager has signed a document permitting them. The local manager by passed that process by changing the designation of the trails by allowing all 3 classes of ebikes. Class 2 is full electric with throttle and without pedals. Mayhem. Trailforks has not been revised to this change.
In an attempt to pedal with a bigger smile I had a 28T Absolute Black oval chain ring, down from 30T. First ride proved an improvement as the smaller ring made pedaling easier. When I rode with Steve, who is slower than me, allowed me to lessen my effort. However, with speedy Doug I was back to being out of breath.
Sunny Sat AM, 48 degrees, and a stiff breeze, forecast wants high winds.