Simon and Garfunkel Loop

September 7, 2011 — Bry

On the very last ride before I crashed I did the route shown below. Yes, it looks a bit strange, but I rode this course for one reason: So I could write a parody about it and put it on this blog. Ha!

What parody you ask? And what do Simon and Garfunkel have to do with cycling in Phoenix?

Well …

Simon and Garfunkel loop

Simon and Garfunkel profile

Simon and Garfunkel Loop, (Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, I climb), arbitrarily started from Invergordon (64th St) and Doubletree Ranch Rd in Paradise Valley, AZ. On the day that I recorded this route, I rode down Lafayette to Arcadia Drive to start the climb up Dromedary, and came back on Camelback Road. Not sure of total climbing effort, probably around 1,000 feet.

Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, I Climb

Sung to the tune of Scarborough Fair, by Simon & Garfunkel.
(Just think “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme”)

Parody lyrics by Bryan Flamig

Are you going out cycling today?
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
Please come with me, I’ll show you the way
For these once were my favorite climbs

We’ll start with Mummy, up Hummingbird Lane
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
It’s not too hard, the grades aren’t insane
And this can be a hill that you’ve climbed

Coming up next is the road they call Sage
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
It’s steep up the curves, with 12% grades
But this can be a hill that you’ve climbed

Last but not least is the Dromedary loop
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
Has 20% grades, at the top you’ll be pooped
But this can be a hill that you’ve climbed

Be sure to click in to your lowest gear
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
On the ride back down, don’t tremble with fear
And this will be a hill that you’ve climbed

Are you going out cycling today?
Mummy, Sage, Dromedary, in time
Remember me as one who rides there
For these once were my favorite climbs
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Speaking of triples

September 1, 2011 — Bry

First, the California Triple Crown. Then the Triple Bypass ride. And then, a triple whammy …

My right shoulder injury has meant three of my favorite recreational activities are temporarily not possible: cycling, yoga (asanas), and playing the fiddle.

I sure did a number on my shoulder. Yesterday I got to see the X-rays. I have eight screws in my shoulder, plus a plate. I’ll probably never have full range of motion with my arm again, but the surgeon said I’ll be able to ride my bike in the future, someday.

“What about the fiddle?” I asked the surgeon. “Will I be able to play the fiddle?”

Ever quick on his feet, the surgeon asked back, “Well, could you play one before?”

Ha!

Actually, he said that playing the fiddle will be good therapy — on the injured bowing arm – once I’m able to lift said arm high enough.

As for now, it’s a bummer. Our band had numerous gigs scheduled for the fall, including one in San Diego. All had to be cancelled.

As far as yoga is concerned, no reverse prayer position, ever again. Yoga mudra, probably not much more than just the beginnings of the pose. Actually, many poses will be difficult, full extensions doubtful.

Ah, well. It could be worse. Two cyclists I know had a bad crash in the pack a few weeks ago. One has a severely broken hip. He’ll be out of commission for a long time.

Speaking of crashing, I asked the surgeon, “What happens, if after I’m fully healed, I ride and crash my bike on that shoulder again?”

“Let’s not find out,” he replied.

He did say that my bone will be as strong as it was before, (which apparently wasn’t strong enough), assuming it heals properly.

Here’s hoping!

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