Yesterday I rode Scorpion loop. At finish van thermometer read 84 degrees. Only Scorpion trail is on eastern exposure with some tree shade. Basalt babyheads, most as big as teenagers. Trail trends mostly downhill that momentum rolls over what i choose. My softened suspension performed way better than last year’s ride. I walked several places as I was not willing to accept my solution. Balance of course is key to remaining vertical. Several weeks ago I hiked the trail where I questioned my courage to ride it. Yesterday Doug was occupied with shoulder treatment so I rode the loop. I parked at Sunrise park then pavement pedaled to start of Old Post which climbed to intersection with Skywalker that I rode over to the high school to start of Scorpion. Towards the bottom I picked up social trails working my way over to lower portion of Old Post, pedaled and pushed to junction with Carrol canyon trail. A social trail skirted the beatup section of Carrol then rejoined for mostly downhill to a wash. System trails back to Sunrise. 8.89 miles climbing 945′ pedaling for 1 hr 29 mins. Average heart rate was 123. This ride I successfully slowed my speed allowing my breathing to keep up, slower but fewer gasping stops. Temperature rendered some of my nonexistent body fat. My pee was very dark. No pics. Without Doug stopping to listen to my stories I rode w/ no enjoyment stops. Cross this ride off my ride card. No pics taken. This loop is on south facing exposure receiving full sun heat. I sweated a short sleeve jersey. I encountered just 2 hikers.
Saturday I rode Rabbit loop clockwise to descend the climb on lower Rabbit Ridge which opened up all the formerly uphills to enjoyable descents. I still took several blows on uphill. Much more enjoyable to ride this way.
Yesterday’s PT session on my left shoulder worked out most of pain such that last night’s sleep was not interrupted. I have 4 morse sessions, 1 per week to finish up.
No shade here. Arizona sycamore trees in creek bottoms have not leaved out not that routes do not go where they are. Sleep spot out off Beaverhead is full on sun exposure. 2:03 PM van reports 87 degrees.
Yesterday I pumped diesel into my tank: 22.3 gallons, capacity is 23. Fuel gauge showed under a quarter and the low fuel light never came on. I fuel up when trip mileage reaches high 400 miles. Previous refueling was short of full tank because of station’s software not reading my card. I paid $50 for whatever gallons and mileage that would give. Almost came up dead.
Sedona Film Festival is in full swing bringing many visitors and their vehicles. Stay away from West Sedona.
SMC beat the Zags at home last Saturday. Aloowing an external event that I have no control over to depress me is not healthy. I am still bummed but recovering, Michigan beat Ohio State, Harris lost, Zags started loosing games. However the Bucks won the championship which stop the depression slide. Zags might not attend the big dance this year, the first in 25 (?) years.
My newly issued debit card was hacked before I even recognized its number. Replacement has yet to arrive.
Oh well. I still smile. I am not employed to be threatened with a loyalty oath. I take care of my body with 8 hrs of sleep and healthy food choices.
Correction on fuel capacity which is 26 gals per owner’s manual. Included is an unspecified reserve. Somewhere I learned that, per law, a reserve is required that fuel gauge can not see.