Birthday Flagstaff

Well my birthday waw coming up October 13th and I sure had an idea of riding my bike for the day. I planned a route after seeing a few people riding a big loop that included a ton of trails I have not ridden and wanted to. The loop was 50 miles and when I got the green light I was off to Flagstaff! I parked in the familiar area at the base of Schultz trail, man that place is looking different every time I go. The begining of the loop was a series of paths an lots of connections before I would get onto the primo trails. Even along the paths I was thriled, the ride started off laced with trees and neighborhods, the leaves were changing on the cottonwoods, maples and oaks, it made me really happy!After a few rough connections I was finally entering the AZT section of walnut canyon. It was a few rough sections and then some very smooth flowy track in the pines for a long time, the pedaling was easy too, I did notice that my legs were a bit off, not a good day for that but there was multiple bail sections if neeeded. Once that beautiful walnut canyon are was done it was quite a few lvestock gates and in and out of meadows and pines, still not much climbing. After passing under 89 and getting asked if I wanted to buy a laptop...... I sat down for a snack break. By now I was not feeling my best, I knew I had stellar trails ahead but climbing. I think I need to strategize different foods to bring. So I began to climb up the AZT some more, it was rough, it should not have been on any other day but it was today. I reached a section I have ridden before and man I love that stuff! It felt like forever but I reached the bottom of little bear. Knowing what was ahead I already knew I was in trouble, I rode up anyway. The scene was stellar!!!!!!!!!!! leags tired. I walked more than I care to admit but still made decent time to the top. Then it was on the upper brookbank, I thought I have rode it before and turns out I have, this section has been redone and the upper section was pretty raw and by now so was I...... The last section was riding through dry lakes to connect to the new big bang trail. By now I wa praying for a fast downhill ride to the car but when I did find it, which was improperly mapped entrance I was again walking a few sections I would be climbing with ease any other day. Then it finally was going downhill, this Big Bang trail was AWESOME! There was some uphill traffic and despite seeing two riders all day this is where I encountered 5-6 more people. The trails was rough on my 50 mile worn neck and palms but I was descending fast, the trail was smooth and rough on and off. When it came to a close it felt aazing to have reached the car. It as later than hoped but I was so so so happy and absolutely loved this ride! I got home fore some cake and rest and the day was done.

PM delight

I knew I was going to have a 2 week span with little time to ride. So it felt really nice getting out on Saturday and when I did it was glorious!There were somepop up tunderstorms around and as I got to riding it was looking dodggy. I rode and was onitoring the skies as a storm rolled in, offering rainbows and a nice nice nice sprinkle of rain! Some thunder had me on the toes but it let off while above me. Since I only had one ride this week, this one was glorious for all the right reasons!

Hot-tober

That alarm went off way too early, but early enough for me to get 3 hours of trail time. My wife is covering for the other physician so she has a 5 day work week the next two weeks. It's and inconvenience by killing my thursday and friday ride but not the end of the world. Allergies have struck the last few days, yea I know, I just finished a round few weeks ago. The desert just keeps on giving..... SO I was groggy and a lilttle headache but moving pretty good, finally back on par with my two hour marker on my route, I was running 5-10 minutes behind it last month and now I am riding a bit faster to make sure I am not slacking. I was battling alot of issues in my head 90% of the ride, so the last 10% was more pleasant as the fog was lifting. So grateful to be riding and healthy. My birthday is next week, I hope to hit Flagstaff for a day.

Lunar lunacy

It was an early morning as the normal, beat the sun, riders and now almost 1/2 the ride is in the dark. When I was climbing up Alpe I looked behind me and caught a sliver of a moon rising over the mountain. It was vividlt clear and can't remember seeing anything like it. It distracted me most the ride into the sun rise, saw some lights out there nice an early, comforting a bit. Good ride.

Man on fire

Back on the fuse and still confirming that I do like it better than my timberjack, not much but enough to know. Really having trouble staying positive whie despereately waiting for more comfortable weather. Better too hot than cold I guess.

Super soaker

Oh my gosh, make it end already, so so hot and humid soaked to the bone. Rant into my turtle friend again on goat, we had a good talk and I we went our seperate ways.