9:39 AM at 3969′ outside temp is 37 degrees with partial clouds blocking solar gain. Looking out at Gould’s Rim trail 30′ off front bumper of van. Heater still burning propane to elevate inside temp to 60 degrees at slide out from under warmth of covers. I am chilly however sitting on the driver’s seat office chair, sun just now breaking thru clouds, soon finger shakes will subside. Temps have been moderating both at night and daytime. Yesterday I saw 65 degrees on van thermometer. I wore a light weight wool jersey for my ride out at Church Rocks. Chilly temps thin out the campers. I ride during day when most people are employed, the few I encounter have some other gig going on like men with silver on their face. For most part I am by myself except for being on pavement. Later this morning I will ride from here afterwards back to town for replenishing propane for sure.
Yesterday I rode popular Church Rocks loop because I could rather than had to because other choices were weather affected. Sunshine, calm wind. Red rock sand stone, several tank slapping patches of red sand. Tank slapping is a dirt bike condition occurring when bike and rider roll onto sand which grabs the front wheel one way and the rider twists the handlebar the other way then sand grabs wheel back so hard the handlebar is smacked into the gas tank and both rider and bike are flung onto sand. Pedal mountain bikes lack speed to affect the slap, perhaps faster M-bikes will experience phenomenon. I did encounter more of those bikes yesterday.
I bought my first mtn bike back in 1985, it was a 1 year old Cannondale that I paid $400 for, half price off. I was making maybe $13 / hour. I could afford just the used price. Today, well, I can not imagine paying full price for a new bike that cost in multi thousand dollars. Ones wiht motors are more expensive than pedal power mostly. I asked 2 local shops if they finance purchase, one said no, they work to put the rider on a bike they can afford, the other said they had several lending institutions to do the lifting. I insure my bike for $6,000 which would not cover the price of its replacement. I built this one from components on previous bikes. Price has to prevent expansion of rider population. Frames and components have improved incurring costs that are born on the purchase price.
I have been turning control knobs on my fork and shock to learn that adjustments can really affect ride quality.
Yes, aging is a common subject in my writing. I am 75 years old, during those years trauma has taken a toll. Body parts hurt and / or don’t work. Just sitting and punching keys sends discomfort. While riding I cope or ignore discomfort. My left thumb that pushes my seat dropper lever hurts every time I adjust height. Tis is the most noticeable pain. Fox makes an motorized dropper that works with the push of a button but my check writing right hand can’t write the $700 check. Shoulder repair is covered by medicare but I can’t live with the 6 month recovery time of no riding.
Sunlight is glaring the screen. Heater is still running, outside it’s 47. I’m still cold inside. 10:18 AM. No precip in forecast, temps are warm mid day.