Gunnison – Two miles into the 65-mile route between Montrose and Gunnison, and I’m already struggling. Scenery is a luxury I can ill afford. Better keep my eyes to the pavement.
Wait, what’s that?
“Wanna join our stream?”
Now, I don’t know what a stream is. But I surefire can decode from time to time.
With roaring headwinds popping us Ride The Rockies cyclists this Wednesday morning as we watch Montrose fade in our rear-view mirrors on Colorado Highway 50, I take the question to mean something much, much more. Like:
“Hey, knucklehead, give my rear tire a rest. I haven’t seen drafting this poor since the Broncos selected Willie Middlebrooks in the first round. If you want to resist wind these first 14 miles to Cerro Summit, how ’bout you do your bit and … join our stream.”
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TODAY’S DESTINATION:
SALIDA |
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I’m reluctant. I’ve never been in a stream without water, I say.
The inquiring biker is persistent, however. She sees my potential. She knows how to cultivate it. And she instills in me a will — nay, a need — to learn.
Figures. She’s a teacher.
Robin Martin, 55, of Littleton, teaches the sixth grade at Euclid Middle School. She can orchestrate a happenin’ paceline, too.
While cycling, Robin introduces me to the concept of wind resistance, as well as the etiquette involved in pacelines.
Follow about 8 inches behind the rear wheel. Take the lead when it’s your turn. Signal as the paceline leader when you’re pooped; you’ll be relieved.
So, along with paceline mate Karel Bammes, 61, also of Littleton, we pass headwind in my very first paceline.
I can only hang with Robin and Karel for so long. I think I’m holding them back, and I’m sure they’ll be a pileup if I keep up this 8-inch bidness.
Adieu, Robin and Karel. Thanks for the lesson. Godspeed.
After parting, it’s all-downhill for me, and not in the way that cyclists relish.
I roll down 3-plus miles of road construction, including asphalt that only a good feathering from Samuel Adams could complete. I toil on the climbs. And I suffer through an injury to the left knee that only aches … say … every pedal stroke.
* TODAY: Gunnison to Salida: 66 miles.
Day 4 recap
* High point (literal): Blue Mesa Summit, roughly 8,750 feet elevation.
* High point (figurative): Learning about pacelines.
* Low point (literal): Mile 1, Montrose, roughly 5,800 feet elevation.
* Low point (figurative): The pains in my left knee are surely a result of overexertion on the Day 2 climb to the top of the Grand Mesa. Standing up to pedal has become impossible.
* Quote of the day: “Hey. The Denver Post. Online guy.” — Can you say “celebrity sighting” at Mile 22 in Pleasant Valley?
DenverPost.com sports producer Bryan Boyle is participating in the — his first bike ride of any kind beyond the occasional wee-hour visit to a convenience market. His series runs on DenverPost.com each day of the June 18-25 event, which follows a 405-mile course from Grand Junction to Breckenridge.
To share any RTR-related experiences, fears, advice or yarns, send an e-mail to Bryan at bboyle@denverpost.com.