Relative

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.