Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

In Sabino Canyon in Catalina Foothills just north (maybe? east?) of Tucson. We had plans to go to Saguaro National Park instead but our waiter at the restaurant last night suggested we go here instead. He was right - amazing views!

Woke up this morning to find out that snow had blanketed all of Sedona and the surrounding areas - basically anywhere with elevation. WTF, I came here to get away from the snow! We had booked a room in Tucson tonight, and were wondering how and if we were going to get down there - the internet in the hotel wasn't working and several roads, including an interstate heading up to Flagstaff, were closed.

We had planned to do several hours of hiking this morning before heading south, but realized we had to alter our plans. We chose one out and back hike in the Secret Mountain Wilderness area, which we aren't sure if we even finished or not as we couldn't see anything but the start of the trail as everything was covered in more than a foot of snow - crazy to think that there had been none the day before! Despite the snow following us from Ontario, the hike and the contrast between the red rock and the snow was beautiful.

The drive from Sedona to Tucson was more harrowing than it should have been. We were lured into a false sense of security after one of of the first highways we got on was fine (but still closed going north) so I suggested we take a scenic route to the east of Phoenix. Big mistake! The Hyundai Elantra we are tooling around in this week did not handle the secondary highway, which climbed above 6000 feet, or the blizzard at the top of the mountain, very well! We were lucky to be able to follow a snow plow part of the way. It was a very long 60 miles until the secondary highway met up with a more major one.

Made it to Tucson eventually where there is a little snow on the ground, but not nearly as much as in Sedona. So much for the warm(er) weather vacation! Still nice to be in a different landscape.

The weather forecast was not looking too good in Sedona today, with rain and snow expected for most of the day. Nevertheless, I was determined that we were going to mountain bike; after all, we were in Sedona! We got to the Sedona Bike & Bean (thanks to Bash for the EXCELLENT recommendation) by 8:30 and were on the trails by 8:45. The guys at the bike shop mapped out a route for us that gave us a nice warm-up on some doubletrack (Bell Rock Path / Trail) then onto some single track around Cathedral Rock. First hour was fantastic, but shortly after that, the rain came. We managed another hour or so before we were both freezing and soaking wet in our bike shorts. Hey, what can I say, I thought it would be warmer! Despite having our ride cut a bit short by weather, this was still one of the most amazingingly scenic bike rides I have ever been on. We are doing a hike tomorrow before leaving Sedona for warmer temperatures south of Tucson, but will definitely have to make a longer trip back sometime.

By suppertime, the rain had officially changed to snow and the main highway going north out of Sedona towards Flagstaff was closed because of the weather. The red rocks look pretty cool all covered in snow, but I was pretty sure we came to Arizona to get away from that white stuff!

C • Sedona Biking 3

Awesome ride at Hydrocut. Was back there yesterday on snowshoes and saw lots of tire tracks so just had to check it out.

My favorite place in the world is at risk because of a planned hydroelectric project that will destroy the community and the ecosystem of the river. Most of the people in Jalcomulco rely on the river to support themselves whether it be through fishing or tourism, and the opportunity for young people to work in tourism-related jobs has prevented them from leaving the community or the country. I am glad that advocates like Jim and the people of Jalcomulco are doing what they can to prevent the dams from being built, and I hope with all my heart that they are successful:

http://www.kayaksession.com/video227.php

Outside. Was sure that the Grand River trail woudl still be rideable. Hmm....much more snow than I thought, but only had to cry uncle and get off my bike a couple of times rather than risk an endo into a snow drift. Brrrr but lots of fun and a better workout than I had anticipated!

GKC indoor paddle session - ran into someone there who I met in Jalco last February - what are the odds?

C • GKC 5

Did the unthinkable a couple of weeks ago and joined a gym for the winter, knowing that some workouts would be threatened due to weather and wimpiness. Fortunately, my gym is only 2 minutes from my work, so today was the experiment to see if I could get there over my lunch hour. I'd say the experiment was successful, and could probably sneak another 5-10 minutes on a good day. Only unfortunate part was forgetting deodarant or a towel, so it's a good thing I have no meetings this afternoon and have to subject anyone to my smelliness.

Wondering if there would be any interest in a Christmas eve morning snowshoe on part of the Hockely loop?

C • Hockley Loop 3

One of my favorite things to do at the end of the season is to spend hours in my basement sorting through and organizing my racing gear. Inevitably, throughout the course of the season, things get thrown into the wrong place and I derive immense satisfaction from taking stock of what I have, what I need to replace, and what I need to get rid of (e.g. foodstuffs that expired many a year ago, partially used disc brake pads that might one day come in handy).

Based on my recent inventory, here are some things that will NOT be on my Christmas list:

- Gauze pads. Seriously, I could open my own hospital.

- Emergency Blankets. Probably enough to host a small marathon.

- GUs. Enough for the aid stations at my marathon.

- Zip Ties. No matter how many AR emergencies I face in my lifetime, I don't think I'll ever run out.

- Ziploc bags. I hoard them....in every shape and size. So fun.

- Socks. Maybe these could be swag at the marathon I host to get rid of the emergency blankets.

- Gaiters. In the quest to find the perfect ones, the rejects have accumulated.

I could go on, but I won't. The one item that should be added to the above is Salomon packs, but anyone who knows me knows that it would be ridiculous to think I won't keep accumulating these.

What's NOT on your AR gear Xmas list?

C • HAHA 16

Busy day of marking and horse clipping!

Both at Hilton Falls, where Wanda and I met for a bike ride. Unfortunately, she forgot a fairly important piece of gear - her front wheel - so we went out for a short hike instead and I then I took Estelle out for a tour of the trails before dropping her off at the shop for a huge ass overhaul. Apparently, my rear "brain" shock was in need of some pretty serious attention - no wonder I've been saying that this bike - despite how much I love her - climbs like a piece of crap! Hopefully this will solve half the problem (the other being me climbing hills better!).

C • 2

Did the unthinkable this week and took out a gym membership, but paid extra for the "no commitment" option so I could get out of it come April.

Lots of power walking on the treadmill with 4X5 minute running sections to see how my hip reacted. Left knee pain - about a 2-3. Right hip pain - about a 4-5. Chiro said this week that legs were still really tight and there were some pockets of swelling on my calves. Have been subjecting myself to the torture of the foam roller on my IT bands nightly.

On the trainer watching Eco-Challenge Patagonia.

C • Oooh! 3