Paula runs (and rides) again

It’s hard to believe, but not long after breaking her back, Paula’s running and riding again. We’re keeping the rides mellow/smooth, of course, and likewise for the runs. One ride was to head south on the AZT from Flagstaff.

Well, we rode more urban path than singletrack, but it’s AZT. This area (above) is a black hole in my mind. It’s almost like I wasn’t there. I was a hurting unit coming into Flagstaff, after getting lost in the dark by Marshal Lake, and increasingly less unsure of where I was going as I approached Flag. I foolishly thought the route would be pretty clear and well traveled.

I didn’t have real GPS data, just a ‘best guess’ (this was 2005, recall) and I trusted it less and less, even as I could see/hear the freeway. Somehow I rolled around the pond and right to a “trail closed” sign. Even though it was daylight now, riding with Paula, I couldn’t figure out where I ended up, but I got trapped on a steep, muddy embankment that I ended up sliding down, to get to the tunnel on the urban path. Taco Bell provided 24 hour salvation, followed by a few hours rest at the Motel 6.

Once again, it’s strange to revisit these places, finally, and pull back memories of what was a pretty darn epic trip for me.

We didn’t follow the AZT long. But Paula did clean a 2 foot ledge, both up and down. When did you say you broke your back again? Two weeks ago?!

We followed a different urban path back — quite a nice one. Flagstaff is really growing on us. Don’t think we could handle the winter, but it sure is perfect right now.

Lee, Chad and I are heading bikepacking / exploring this week. Chad laid it out on his blog. I need a break from the computer and from certain negative aspects of TD tracking, for sure.