Just another day on the Loop - Winterlude 2020 - CycleBlaze

December 29, 2020

Just another day on the Loop

Another day, another ride on the Loop.  Rachael has a blister on her foot and needs a day off anyway, so I went out on my own.  I’m feeling just a bit frisky - my back and knees both feel back to normal for the first time in what seems like weeks - so I took a somewhat longer ride than usual.  At the end I still feel well and ready for more.

Mailbox, University Boulevard.
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Storefront, University Boulevard.
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We’re back at that semicircle of flags again, with more information. This is in front of the Kozolchyk National Law Center. There’s a flag for each nation in the Americas. These five are the flags of St. Vincent and the Grenadinas, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
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Kelly IniguezGreat detail - I just took a quick snapshot and kept moving!
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3 years ago
A female rufous? It would help if I had a faster camera, or if these darn things would slow down or stand still.
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Bill ShaneyfeltNot sure about the bird, but it is enjoying invasive Lantana nectar.

https://crowdfund.arizona.edu/project/5923#:~:text=Lantana%20camara%20is%20a%20popular,IUCN%20Invasive%20Species%20Specialist%20Group.
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3 years ago
A white crowned sparrow, natch. Hard to misidentify if only you can get a good look at them, which I seldom can.
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We had a bit of rain last night, and it looks like more could be on the way. This is the most water we’ve seen in this part of the Santa Cruz River.
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This was an uplifting scene. Six or seven kids were playing kickball, with the assistance of one very fit dog. He chased and retrieved the ball wherever it went, including intercepting the pitch before it reached the plate.
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I don’t know why I took this shot. They flew by and I had the camera out. Poor impulse control.
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Bill ShaneyfeltGotta shoot wart hogs!
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3 years ago
Scott AndersonTo Bill ShaneyfeltI read this comment without knowing the subject. Quite confusing.
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3 years ago
Bruce LellmanNot another invasive species!
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3 years ago
Bill ShaneyfeltTo Scott AndersonWarthog is the nickname for A10 aircraft.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Republic_A-10_Thunderbolt_II
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3 years ago
Ron SuchanekThose A10s are impressive aircraft. We saw them frequently during our month there.
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3 years ago
One for Mr. Grumby. He’ll understand.
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Ron SuchanekHar!!!! I think we saw that too!
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3 years ago
Desert agave?
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Bill ShaneyfeltLooks like maybe soaptree yucca.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_elata
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3 years ago
In case more information is required..
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Tanque Verde Peak, the peak of the Rincon Mountains that stands behind Saguaro National Park. Looks like they’re getting some today.
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Another cactus wren. Interesting that the palo verde branch makes him look like he has a green lower mandible.
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Jen RahnOh, he of mandible green
Flashy spots cuz he likes to preen
He's a Cactus Wren!
Who dines on cayenne
With a side of ripe tangerine.
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3 years ago
One of the few ocotillos showing any color right now. I think we should be seeing some new green though by the time we leave here.
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Bill ShaneyfeltIf it rains enough, they might start to leaf out.
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3 years ago
A black-throated sparrow. A mediocre shot, but one I’m pleased with because I don’t remember seeing this bird before.
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Tanque Verde Peak again. To the left it looks very wet in the gap between this peak and the Santa Catalinas.
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Along Pantano Wash. Mount Lemmon is getting its fair share too, it looks like. I wonder what the snow level will drop to tonight?
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Kelly IniguezJacinto is wondering the same thing about the snow level. He dallied around about climbing Kitt Peak and Mt Lemonn and now bemoans the cold temperatures . . . he rode four miles up Mt Lemonn a couple of days ago and would like to finish the ride.
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3 years ago
Scott AndersonTo Kelly IniguezI think he’s missed his chance for this visit. The temps look pretty cool for the coming days. When do you leave?
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3 years ago
Kelly IniguezTo Scott AndersonWe are leaving the 2nd. Three more riding days. . . . It has been snowing at home for three days without much accumulation. Ugh. A friend who winters down by Amado said he doesn't care if he ever sees another snowflake again. I tend to agree with him. Although I will admit that the lack of cycling in the winter gives me new enthusiasm come spring. Maybe if I could ride year round I wouldn't like it as much?
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3 years ago
Scott AndersonTo Kelly IniguezYear around is working pretty great for us, actually. Sell your home, hit the road.
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3 years ago
Kelly IniguezI just have to get Jacinto on board with the retiring idea. Me? I'm ready!
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3 years ago
Rachael AndersonTo Kelly IniguezI ride year round and love it just as much, I just don’t go as far, although Portland rarely gets any snow. Also, if I’m in Portland I take shorter rides if it’s too cold and I don’t ride on ice. Also, before COVID, I did cycle classes at the gym but I like cycling outside much better. We use to cross country ski until I messed up my shoulder.
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3 years ago
Kelly IniguezI'm pretty much a one sport woman. Years ago I swam laps. That was my first love. A girl friend and I used to cross country ski once a week, but Jacinto can't get the hang of the coordinated movement. I will walk/hike at home because I know my body would like to do something besides bicycle. But *my* choice is to ride. I do some light weight lifting for upper body strength and do a fair amount of stretching because I'm getting to that age where I have to stretch or else . . . .

Spoon asked me if we weren't going to do some other activities or take a rest day. Nope! I came here to ride!
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3 years ago
Another look at the Santa Catalinas. Such a great, dramatic sky this afternoon. I’ll bet there will be an awesome sunset tonight.
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Kelly IniguezDid you see the full moon? It was fabulous!
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3 years ago
Scott AndersonTo Kelly IniguezOh, foop. I’ve been tracking it for the last few days but forgot about it today. I’ll have to look tomorrow night.
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3 years ago
Looking back along Rillito Wash.
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We won’t be out here atop admire the sunset, but this is very nice too.
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Ride stats today: 46 miles, 1,600’; for the tour: 1,404 miles, 49,500’

Today's ride: 46 miles (74 km)
Total: 1,385 miles (2,229 km)

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