Solo Buddha

Lots of hot air about the Grand Canyon and Riding the Spine. It’s all over the news, apparently. I’ve felt compelled to comment not so much because it’s that important of an issue, but because I have many of the facts about the canyon, bike-packing, wilderness, etc, that other people don’t seem to have. I just don’t like people spreading misinformation, and debating things that don’t even apply.

It’s pretty tiring. I prefer getting out on my bike. I’m sure the guys are anxiously awaiting their turn to get back on the bikes and quiet all this nonsense.

So I finally got back out to the Catalinas. It’s been too long.

Wind gusts woke me up in the morning. But it was an east wind which means the Catalinas will block it, or maybe it’s an east wind because of the Catalinas. In any case, I was very happy when I found perfectly calm conditions in Oro Valley and throughout the ride.

Cruising through Catalina State Park was nice at first, but something just bothers me about those trails. I built some of it, but they still bother me.

I had planned on climbing Suthers, but I stumbled on this entry of mine from last year. I had forgotten how bad my feet were last year at this time. It’s really rare for me to have a “bad” day on a bike, so reading that entry was kind of disturbing. I decided to take Deer Camp and CP singletrack instead.

Good choice. As soon as I got off the “main” trails and onto DC and CP, I don’t know quite what happened, but it was bliss. I felt good, felt strong. Time passed slowly, yet quickly. I was perfectly comfortable, loving every inch of trail and rock.

There is a series of two rock drops sorta visible in that pic that I rode a few times. Then I stopped and just enjoyed the sun on my face and the slight cooling breeze. It was so quiet, so peaceful. Enjoy the silence.

I made my way across Baby Jesus trail, hitting more rock playgrounds. In solo mode, I skipped the heinous spine lines. Another day. But there’s plenty to keep the careful solo ‘huckster’ busy.

On to Buddha. I wanted to see how well I could follow it without Louis to guide me. GPS kept me on course. But I don’t just need someone to show me where to go, I need someone to show me how to ride it.

In solo mode I walked a number of the first steeps, kind of frustrated. But as it mellowed out I rode more.

A large herd of Javelina hopped up, fatties and babies alike scurrying up next ridge. A large hawk flew overhead. I felt like I was being watched.

This is a great spot. For riding and for reflective thought. It’s the Buddha trail, after all.

Sometimes you search and search for the perfect moment, and sometimes it just sneaks up on you.

Person, place, time. I was happy with existence at large.

I swallowed my last gulp of water as I rejoined the 50 year trail. So much for another run at the jumps.

It was go time. The goal:

That little pipe provided several minutes of liquid nirvana. Ain’t nothing like quenching a good thirst.