Where we should not have been. Dead dry and very warm for this time of year after P-Phil forecast 6 more weeks of winter. But that is there, not here. Maybe there is a scorpion that predicts upcoming weather.
Doug and I rode out Western gateway trails yesterday, note the blinding white of his flesh.
I’m still wearing a light weight long sleeve wool top but have shortened leg coverage to shorts. 70 degrees yesterday.
Doug’s left arm is not happy which limits his riding time and roughness of trail which as I follow along benefits my body’s performance. While we stop more frequently and for longer minutes our time out is growing longer as our mileage shrinks. Yesterday’s ride was 7.61 miles climbing 732′ pedaling for 1 hr 10 mins. This is Sedona chunky riding. Ride finished with 20 min nonstop climb on Axis out of Dry Creek. At start of the climb 3 male m-bike riders, maybe in their 40s, regrouped to recover their lungs after a downhill.
Thurs is laundry day before lunch. Yesterday Doug scheduled his ride to during washer time. I was parked at laundromat when I read his text, decision: do wash now and miss ride or ride and do wash later? Folks at the laundromat have learned that they can mark their calendar to the day of the week with me being there in the morning. I chose the later choice. I walked into the laundromat and informed them that the date was correct but not to count on the time. I returned after my ride and let the machine make clean and dry clothes.
Last night the Zags played, TV coverage was espn+ that PJ’s did not subscribe to. Previously I had introduced myself to the new owner and asked for that channel. I checked in b4 game and learned they bought access. I returned at game time and watched the game. Zags won.
Monday I followed Doug again for a ride. This ride broke the 1,000′ climb per ride threshold at 1125′ covering 10.8 miles pedaling for 1 hr 36 mins. Beat down, recovery was calculated at 36 hrs. Average beats per min was 123.
I continue to sing praise for a better suspension tuned bike performance. I also seem to be doing more steering for chosen lines. Sometimes an obstacle is preferred over picking. Suspension works better when power on pedals over feature.
Joey at Absolute Bikes shared bike info unknown to me which will correct future actions. He said that SRAM chains are made with their lube and should be left on, any degreasing should be done with just water and Dawn. SRAM said that chemical degreasers removed a protective plating which dastardly harmed the chain. Also, don’t apply lubricants to fork and dropper post seals as the liquid seeps past the seals entrapping grit. Both lessons alter old ways of taking care of parts.