Overuse rest day. Since Nov 26, Sunday I had ridden 7 days, out of 12 days. Weather here is just stellar for being outside: sunshine, temps in 50s to low 70s. And no precip forecast. No sense of urgency to get it while it’s good.
On Monday I accepted the challenge of driving out to Gooseberry on dirt road that could be big washboard bumpy which was first challenge. Riding Gander trail was secondary. The road had been recently graded to that the van’s suspension and its contents were appreciative. Miles of dead straight sight line passing over short sections of road that grading did not dig out the bumps. Turned on to Gooseberry road that was in better smoother condition. Turned off onto social road first right after crossing cattle guard. I remembered this spot from last time here, maybe back in 2017. Memory revcall was from there up would be nasty crawling. Tomorrow I would pedal up the road for Gander loop.
Tues AM I lingered inside heated van toill solar gain turned off the heater. Trailforks elevation profile showed riding trail from top back to van elevation drop. Over the years I had ridden the trail up and down and also climbing the road to descend. Wonderful road recently graded and nasty rock slabs removed, condition was acceptable to drive van up. Soft dirt climb to Windmill trailhead then out to edge of Gooseberry mesa to upper end of Gander which would for most art hug the edge of the mesa rim. All alone, not even a rig in either of 2 trailhead parking. Gander is a suitable name as it is a male goose and trail is on Gooseberry mesa.
On a previous ride I hooked a handlebar on a tree on the mesa edge that changed my direction of travel to the edge. Hair raising close. Today I noticed many protruding limbs had been sawed off. Blue ability tech features with several being better left unattempted.
12.3 miles climbing 797′ pedaling for 1 hr 57 mins. I would like to ride trail again but road roughness dissuades me.
Spent a second night with hope of riding Wire Mesa the next day should my aching shoulders not be barking at wake up. My left shoulder is now hurting from overuse. The right just always aches. I talked myself into riding Wire as it is just a 7 mile blue loop and is nearby. Again trail runs close to mesa edge when land permits. No pics taken. 7.29 miles all mesa single track climbing 515′ pedaling for 1 hr 6 mins.
My left shoulder needs attention. Being an established patient made seeking attention easier. Medicare requires a physician referral for PT. The Urgent Care providers could write the referral and the PT clinic is part of the group and in same building. I called PT and scored an appointment for this afternoon. The nurse practioner poked her finger on my sore spot then wrote the referral.
I use Trailforks for trail info. On trail description there might be m-bikes permitted. I read Wire trail info and saw motorized bikes were allowed. I called local BLM office and spoke with staff member who is also a self propelled mountain biker. At present the local office does not allow motorized travel on non motorized trails but they are not enforcing the ban. I encounter many m-bikes on Hurricane Cliffs trails and also Santa Clara trails but there are no signs permitting power assist bikes. I learned that BLM signs the trail to what is permitted, the FS goes the other way only designating not permitted user. I told BLM guy that BLM needs to develop a sticker showing m-bikes are permitted and until that happens those bikes are not permitted. I just don’t understand how much money a rider will pay to recreate without effort. (yes, pedal assist bikes require muscle effort).
On Sunday I rode Hurricane cliffs trails starting and ending at Sheep Bridge road and highway. Excellent weather and nary another rider.
at 2:30PM temp is 71 degrees warm. Today is a warm rest day.