As to what and where you are experiencing this nasty blow of winter. Where I am at VOC at 4,000′ in Arizona a small amount of snow and lower temps hit here on Sunday night. Since then blue sies and slowly riding temps have put the smile back on my face and one less layer for warmth. Power and reach of internet forecasts tell of conditions much worse than here. So, winter is relative to location and flexibility to evade / escape uncomfortable conditions.

Last week’s outside activities were 2 hikes with Doug and Leia t learn additional social trails near Airport over basalt babyheads, just stupid riding yet several comments on Trailforks on system trails over same stuff chided riders for unfavorable comments. Years ago I rode that trail, fool me once, second time I rode it stupid me. Let more capable riders have at it.

Thursday I hiked up to Rabbit Ears trail from Jack’s canyon to learn of tread conditions. Close to high point snow was present, just a skiff, nary enough to affect traction. Encouragement for future ride.

Thursday night at PJs to watch Gonzaga basketball, not all is well in the house of Zagland as they got beat by WCC team. towards end of game the place was occupied by 2 employees and a customer and me. They kept the place open till buzzer. Walked back to sleep spot.

Friday I gave a go on Rabbit Ears loop. I rode over shallow depth of snow patches protected from sun warmth. No harm, no foul as traction was were I needed it. Still chilly 40 degrees. Again. Waa, relativity. 9.11 miles climbing 974′ pedaling for 1 hr 21 mins. My average speed still hovers in high 6 mph speed. Being outside in sunshine and beauty was, and is, worth slight discomfort. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear choices. I can dress to be warm. I don’t have to be outside everyday. But I usually am.

For Sat Ian pulled a group ride of a piece of Black Canyon Trail. I learned that Jimmy and Christine from Prescott were joining us, first to visit with them this visit. Ian invited newbie Brian along. We met at Bumblebee area bypassing a more nasty piece of the  trail. BCT tread is mostly broken sharp edge rock pieces that move if you let them. Seems trick is power on the pedals and just ride it out. I am continually pleased by bike’s performance as it just grabs traction and suspension control. I just have to put power down and the suspension works. 13 miles climbing 1099′ pedaling for 1 hr 52 mins, average heart rate was 122, just shy of anaerobic threshhold of 126, 56 mins spent in 80 to 90 % effort.

As you see, no tree cover. I wore my darker tinted eye protection. Sedona riding has more tree cover so I wear lesser tinted glasses.

I just included the above pic in large size. saves viewer enlarging. Find 2 riders. I like bigger pic if it will upload.

Temp is forecast to rise to 60s as week goes on. No precip. It’s all relative. Comfort to all out there.

Doug will be arriving shortly to cause me to leave comfort of heat and rest to ride down here.

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.

New Year’s eve celebration,? I spent quiet night at the town sleep spot, I was not awakened by whatever went on outside.

Ian invited me on a ride to start the new year. I invited Doug along. Others accepted his invitation, the group being of riders I have known for years plus a new guy. New guy was youngest and had color in his hair, the rest of us had lots of gray, some white.

We rode from Bell Rock TH and headed away from others. At first were system trails, some of which were rolled firm sand then mixed in old social trail, back to system then the nasty basalt babyheads and unattached heads. Last piece is too nasty for me to repeat that even the experienced riders walked. I enjoyed myself being in company of people I have known for years. Finished the day with a sit down at local pizza establishment. I drove out to sleep spot off Beaverhead and I was treated to a colorful sunset.

Dry desert. I did not see signs of cows being grazed out there compared to last year. Cows have eaten native vegetation at the time of the plants reproduction hence eliminating food for the next year. Just a rant against the few who reap the benefit of use of public land but is paid for by all of us.

I mix in socializing with solitude. Sleeping on public land mean unblocked windows, in town I block windows which creates a cave.

Doug and I rode out Skywalker area yesterday. I am struggling with almost any kind of climb, I get out of breath. When I got back to the van after the ride I checked my O2 saturation level to read 98% so I get what I need but age affected. I am working on reestablishing my confidence on Sedona trails.

I spent the night in their driveway again. Short evening shower created puddles. The temp was warm enough for the heater to shut off.

Leia has treated me to 2 dinners, tonight I return her favor by preparing Country Captain chicken dinner.