Rockin' the Boat

We thought that the 80 mile trek to Steamboat would be "an easy day." Oh how wrong we were. We started out with a strong headwind with a constant climb, even though we skipped up to Wolcott (which was mostly downhill). Janis had mechanical problems so I started out with Jane. We have really been plagued with lots of mechanical troubles on this tour. We have had flats,
gear problems and brake problems--good thing that we have good mechanical support.

It was a very slow grind as I climbed the Wolcott Divide and then up Toponas. Neither one wad considered a "pass" but there was still about a 2,000 foot elevation gain. It was tough. In my new sitting postion (more reclined), my hands have been getting numb. It's really hard to keep cranking and shifting when you can't feel your hands. I would stop for a minute or so and then keep cranking. It was my goal to make the climbs and I did. The map showed that it was downhill on into Steamboat. There were some nice downhills but in a tough side wind which tried to knock you over on your way down.

Then we all suffered a brutal headwind the closer we got. I was so psyched that I was able to grab the wheels of a fast moving pace line (a bunch of young studs). They were moving at 18-19 MPH--and I could hang with them!! My gears started jumping again and frustrated me as I worked hard to stay in the pace line. I would lose contact as they passed slower riders and I would work really hard to catch up--all with messed up gears. They pulled over to rest and I just went on alone and found another line that was slower. It felt good to be able to power through the wind.

I did 64 miles of the 80 miles on that day--I was happy and tired. Gotta get up early and ride Rabbit Ears tomorrow. Later