Floating through Robles

It was high time I explored the latest additions to Robles Pass, and after surviving my PhD comprehensive exam, it was high time for a solid ride.

I rode from home. Early, but not too early. Sleep meant more to me than surviving the heat.

Moon + giant Saguaro flowers. Look close and you can see a bee in each one.

Sentinel Ridge was a nice diversion from the pavement required to reach Robles. I hit 36th, the ‘cheater’ connector, and was soon merrily on my way.

Blooming Saguaros are everywhere!!

Up close. Err, as close as I can get. Those things are tall ya know!

Singletrack that tempted me back on my race effort was now mine! All mine!!!!

The world was mine, and the riding seemed effortless. Sign of good trail design, methinks.

How many trails let you arc around a Camaro that almost seems to belong there?

Slither… slither….

I seemed to be looking down more than up. Besides snake detection, a few other reasons why:

I rode every trail that I knew about (and saw), then continued on the TMP Rock ‘n Road route. There’s a tiny piece where I’ve been confuzeled during both of my ‘time trials.’ I’ve finally got it figured.

I rolled around through Starr Pass. Two riders on horseback offered me water. Why? It hadn’t even occurred to me that it was hot yet (it was). 2% humidity and constant movement = high efficiency evaporative cooling.

I kicked the pace up on the ‘standard loop’ trails, feeling almost guilty that it was so easy. Nothing bothered me during the whole ride. It was as if all the things that usually limit a ride or cause any kind of discomfort were magically absent. Like I was playing a video game and just pushing the “go” button and doing the steering, but not feeling any effects of holding the button down. (Admittedly I wasn’t pushing the ‘nitro’ button very much, but it wasn’t sitting idle either).

I rode back across town in the midday sun, happy as can be.