Hither and Yon

Now visiting Dolores, CO and Boggy Draw trails. In town now for internet signal. Drove from Sedona Monday. Town is Flag elevation of almost 7,000′. Elevation increase from Sedona’s 4,500′ Rode yesterday topped out at 8500′. Yeah, that’s why I was short of breath and I’m sticking with it. Dispersed camping near the trail head. Hunkered down for 2 nights in P-pine forest understory Gamble oaks that have not leafed out.

Yesterday I rode a loop from parked van. Started high then climbed back out. Finished ride on traverse. 18.5 miles climbing 1270′ pedaling for 2 hrs 36 mins. At elevation. spent 59 mins in 80 to 90% effort meaning average beats per min was 118, threshold is 126.

Boggy Draw String Bean intersection

I rode side loop trail named String Bean that hugs the edge of a mesa. Trails in places are blue tech features, mostly pedalable. All by myself. Enjoy trail system.

Chilly nights that heater kept me comfortable.

Last visit was 2 years ago. Back then I rode out McPhee overlook trail that opens today. This year I can not roust myself for the effort. Today I will drive back to Boggy Draw for the night and maybe ride up high. 7582′ elevation.

Count down to med refill and allocation of days spent places before Fruita.

Van is producing its roaring sound that now seems to be full time. I found a Sprinter repair shop in Durango which is nearby so I could have van’s health sussed. Next shop on my travel is Junction which is about 5 hours away.

Sunday Jimmy and Christine lead us on a ride on their home trails at Prescott. Different than Sedona.

Prescott

Tread was broken rock pieces that move differently than sandstone of Sedona. How hard to counter steer? Big up then long down with short ups intermixed. Open to the sky.

On Friday my last Sedona ride was Rabbit Ears loop. Mock orange was emitting its sweet fragrance.

mock orange blooming

Earlier in the year manzanita bloom was the scent. Catclaw has started leaving out to followed by flowers but I have never stayed for their scent.

Recovery from vein gluing is either producing my pain or the bad vein was not its source. What Ii know is I am in jaw clenching pain spasms. My concern has been that vein DR saw a vein problem that he could fix. I am unsure if that vein is the source of my pain. I was told time is required for body to make blood return flow adjustment. Eating tylenol for sleep. Wearing compression sock. Edema is present perhaps causes pain.

Tomorrow I drive to Moab, Thursday laundry, take on supplies then drive out to far reaches from town for riding.