When you have been moving for so long, returning to things that are more familiar causes a bit of mental distortion. Spending a couple days with Julie and Bob not only gave me an opportunity to refit the bike, it was also a good time to share some stories and enjoy the first stages of reentry.

Tiggrr received two new Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires and a new chain and sprocket set at the Triumph dealer in Tucson. They also serviced the headstock which considerably reduced the front end chatter I was experiencing. I was not able to replace the swingarm chain guard in Tucson because they did not have one. I swung through Mesa to have it replaced today. Overall Tiggrr is running great and is ready for the last push home.

I think weather is going to be the major challenge over the next week. I woke up to a persistent rain this morning. My friend Bob had planned to ride with me up to Sedona, however, opted out having looked at the weather forecast. I don't blame him as it was a demanding day. It rained off and on with temperatures in the high 40s. It's hard to stay warm on the bike at that temperature. The wind presses cold air over my riding gear and it slowly wicks away my body heat. As much as I bundle up, the cold seems to find its way into the gaps.

Riding Highway 260 from Payson to Cottonwood I had to cross a 7,200 foot pass. The temperature dropped to 38º and snow covered the ground along the roadway. My finger tips complained fiercely until I descended into warmer air on the other side. I think this is probably going to be indicative of the days to come and I'll have to keep a sharp eye on the weather and my days short.