Last week’s weather forecast wanted nasty conditions for Sunday, snow and wind. Ride when weather is favorable so Doug and I carried on for rides on Fri and Sat out Western Gateway trails. Again, Doug figured the route and I caught up to him at his selected stopping spots. After I arrive one of us start a conversation that results in a lingering rest stop. To date Dry Creek is dry which allows rides on both sides of the creek.
Friday’s ride was slightly chilly but beautiful.
We pedaled 10.8 miles climbing 1060′ finishing after pedaling for 1 hr 43 mins. Afternoon ride starting with sun warmth but as day progressed to late afternoon with the earth changing its relationship with the sun a desire for another layer became a topic of conversation. Except I had nothing to add. My ears became cold.
Spent the night in their driveway. Sat AM I checked the controller for battery health to see that either sunshine or alternator input to refuel electrons. Ended up driving to Cottonwood to health food store for Happy Camper bread. Batteries brought back up.
Sat was another blue bird puffed down start at 1 PM. I followed Doug for 11.5 miles climbing 1198′ pedal time of 1 hr 54 mins. This time I wore a wool T shirt under same jersey.
My aerobic output is in decline as felt on even the more gentle climbs I previously rode. I walked a lot. Disheartening fact of aging. Today the ENT DR gave medical knowledge to my condition which is age: the body is wearing. I sought treatment for what I describe is restricted throat. He numbed up my nostrils then inserted a lead with a camera to view the inner workings. His report again was age caused as in dehydration, nothing that he can or needs to be fixed. Comforting info to learn body works per drawing and the explanation and solution.
Sat night I stayed in VOC to watch the Zags at PJs. PJs was all but empty, so many TVs to chose from. Except channel was ESPN+ that they don’t get. Chilly night. Towards morning the wind picked up to rock me and snow flurries which were forecasted to add up to between 3 and 7″ started. Didn’t result in an inch. I spent hours hanging at Absolute enjoying almost uninterrupted company of staff as no customers.
Today I drove I-17 to Flag which was bare and patches of snow melt wet. Van is pleasure to drive. Flag sits at roughly 7,000′, VOC is 4,000′.
Out to Beaverhead for the night.