Heart continues to perform to spec.
I write about how aging is affecting me. My body gives what it can. I am now walking stuff I previously climbed. And the uphills I ride are slower and more prone to stops for blows. It is what it is, I care for what genetics gave me. I control what I can including of a ride. Riding here is full body workout. Rocks are mostly square edged. No sit down and pedal up a long uphill. Feet climbed per trail mile is 70 to 90′. Just short distance. Keeping power on the pedals and coasting.
Today Doug said today was a Chuck Wagon day. Anticipation was for less traffic because the day was Monday. OOOPS. 3 day weekend, Chuck Wagon was the most crowded for me, just hikers. Up the way a trail intersection diverts to Devil’s Bridge hikers’ destination. However, at start of Mescal trail hiker traffic increased. Rode across Mescal,
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Juniper and Pinyon pine tree cover
down Long canyon onto Aerie then social trails connected to system trails to arrive at starting point in the shooting pit. 11.2 miles climbing 997′, that’s 89’/mile, pedaling for 1 hr 43 mins. 6.51 mph average. I seem to be drained at present.
On Mescal an approaching rider called me by name. We visited. He met me back in 2009 in the Pisgah. We shared that experience and Pisgah. Doug was ahead as always, my visit increased our gap. Doug will wait at trail decision points, he rests longer than I get to.
On a previous ride I opened up the slow speed rebound 2 clicks which lessened the harshness. Made ride softer. Bike is much happier.
Yesterday I rode Rabbit loop down at VOC. I pedal up Little Rock and descent Rabbit Ears. Little Rock once it turns onto the ridge is a shallow climb over embedded cobble. I take several blow stops. At one time I could pedal this non stop. At high point reward on pay attention downhill. Several riders have told me they prefer riding opposite as the climb up the cobble sucks. Finish on Big Park loop all downhill. This is popular with hikers both directions and many places no sight line. My bell rings and I anticipate possibility of an encounter. Sound of bell carries and hikers usually allow me to proceed. I slow when passing or gasp when I pass on climb.
Sat I rode from shooting pit on mix of social and system trails. Systems because rain 2 days ago wetted down the loose dusty making for firmness. Most vehicle crowded I had ever seen. Up against the dirt bank were the firearm shooters pulling the trigger for slight sound to thumpers. Continual shooter flow. Sat at my start one shooter was shooting as he was upon my ride return 1 hr 26 mins pedaling time later. And he had more ammo to go. He is an attendant who fills my propane tank.
Interruption: I’m parked at the Cultural Park beside a camper with bike rack. The owner pedaled up, e bike. He walked over and asked me if I had ridden in Michigan as that’s where he’s from. That started a discussion. I showed him my road atlas with highlighted roads I had driven in MI. My travels of the state made lots of roads covered. Sticking point was his illegal riding, we never got to rivalry between MI and OH where I’m from.
My left shoulder is undergoing physical therapy. It’s solid from major repair back in 1997. Shoulder joint has muscles pulling in different directions. He is freeing up full range of motion. PT is a mountain biker, which makes for shared stories.
OK. My life is almost the same every day. Just consuming time in the present.