Today, I went just a bit further. I crossed Valencia on the Huckleberry Loop. I went to “the rails.” There is a spot just north of the Loop where the path crosses a small wash. There are brown tubular rails on either side of the trail. They are located approximately 1.5 miles from my front door making my round trip about 3 miles. After a week of stopping at Valencia road which is one mile from my house, I decided to make another advancement to where I was prior to the accident.

By Don Lacey  ·  July 2026  ·  AZAtheist.com

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I was ready physically. I was still a bit nervous though. It was early. There were very few bicyclists on the trail. When I turned back after reaching the rails, the traffic started to pick up. Several riders began to pass me. I walk on the right according to the rules of the Loop. Pedestrians are supposed to walk on the right, but pedestrians cannot see behind them. Consideration and polite behavior guidelines strongly imply using a bell or voice (“On your left!) to alert pedestrians when a bicycle passes a pedestrian. When reminded of that fact the proper response is not to flip me off.

Aside from the mouth breather that decided to “flip me off,” the walk was a pleasant as it could be. I’m able to walk but I still have constant pain in my shoulder. I won’t be picking up trash along the way as before until I heal further. There were several people that I met today that welcomed me back. Most were polite and friendly, but it only takes one butthead to spoil the experience. To the person that flipped me off today, I wish you many goatheads in your future.