That’s 3,000 rides since I started my odyssey back in 2008. Per my spread sheet the ride today was the three thousandth, covering 43,247 miles, ridden at least once in 49 states. Like 2 1/2 months short of 15 years living on the road in my home converted 2006 Dodge Sprinter.
Today was another prime spring day: sunshine, calm, dry trails, temp warmer than worn light weight wool jersey. Rode from mall parking, Bell Rock, Big Park, Single track by pass, Baby Bell, Llama, and more. Stamina continues to diminish not able to complete climbs, age effected or unhappy heart muscle, I suspect the latter. Still unridden problem on Llama albeit dirt work at first rock to ramp up the rest. Needs stronger engine to power up it.
Lessons in better armoring on Llama. Dig in pitches among the pavers makes for a less slippery climb and gargoyles will not be needed.
There are many examples of well built armoring on Breezy: tread on the rocks and no gargoyles.
Not many people, hikers and bikers, out and it was a beautiful day.
Rode out Templeton then turned down Breezy wash. Trail in wash bottom at wash crossings were runoff affected from March rains. Breezy from Templeton up to end was really washed away. Washed away as the trail is in the wash but the forceful water moved rocks changing or eliminating lines. Seems water remains long enough for plant life to emerge in Breezy:
Hit Slim for descent home. Towards the bottom I stopped to let hikers climb by. Motion to my right rear: rider descending off trail. It was Jacob from Absolute Bike shop. I stopped at same shop on my ride out and announced I was riding my 3,000th ride. Jacob asked if he could join me. He was on the clock so all we shared were feet ridden in the parking lot. He took the pic later.
14.2 miles climbing 1207′ pedaling for 2 hrs 12 mins. Average HR was 124, 1 hr 21 mins anaerobic. I beat my body. Cardio will prolly want a stress test while hooked up to their instruments and it will prolly be a treadmill and I don’t run.
Thurs was laundry day up in Sedona. Americana coffee served by Rae at Oak Creek Espresso, great to be known as she made my coffee before I got to cashier to order it. Leave VOC by 10AM for smooth traffic speed to the Y. Cleaned clothes, visited with George, the original owner, and my host for my Hawaii ride. I chose Soldier Wash trails as I had not ridden them this visit. parked at Posse Grounds which was packed. All alone until I hit Jordan and Devil’s Kitchen and Sacred Pools: scads of hikers, never seen so many people and they all walked in. Fun challenging descent on Javelina. I shorted my climb out by pedaling Crusty to connect to Adobe Jack.
Afterwards headed back down to VOC, traffic backup almost to stop light at Airport, about 25 mins to clear Oak Creek bridge. Too many people. And more will be coming as the tourist assoc split from city council. Attracting visitors to city but city has to manage the influx.
Fri afternoon I had a virtual meeting with fill in DR. I asked about test results on my heart. I have artery blockage that he said is not heart attack level yet. Comment was on high cholesterol. He kicked my problem down the DR corridor for a cardio referral to occur some time in near future. Primary DR returns May 1, I will schedule an appointment with him before I leave.
Habits, they prevent us from doing what we want. Yes, repeat problem solution and it becomes a habit. I get water from same sink in VOC because I know it. I camp at same spot off Beaverhead because I always find an open spot and the road to it is Sprinter friendly. I visit same places as again I have solved my problems for a visit. Picking the known is security, the unknown is, well, unknown. I change only if my choice was undesirable or I found a more attractive place and worthy of moving.
Sleep spot off Beaverhead can be very quiet depending upon how far out the road away from the paved road. traffic drops as the evening grows. Nights are becoming warmer enough to not run the furnace eliminating blower noise. What remains is ears burning quiet. Out there again for tonight. Difference in quiet was noted when I stayed in town last Sat night.