Salida to Pueblo, CO
Miles: 95 Climb: 2500
Total Miles: 1,447
Our day started earlier than usual because of the long ride as we headed to lower elevation. We rode US Route 50 along the Arkansas River between two mountain ranges through some of the most beautiful scenery we have seen yet. The Arkansas River running along the base of the mountain range was beautiful. The area is popular for white water rafting and there were many rafts on the rapids as we rode by. The temperature was about 65 degrees and the road surface was excellent. It was a beautiful morning and the pace was brisk.
The first 43 miles was a steady downhill. At one point on the descent I got down on the drops, stood on the pedals, and slid my butt back on the saddle, the classic descent position. When I moved back on my saddle, the guy behind yelled to me that I had a blow out. The back of my shorts had a huge rip. There was a gapping hole. I told him it was because I had developed so much muscle in my thighs that my shorts couldn't contain the strength. Now I am down one pair of biking shorts unless I go shopping on the rest day, which I really don't want to do.
At mile 43 we had a five mile climb, and then the conditions changed rapidly. As we dropped in elevation and made our way out of the mountains, the temperature increased, the traffic increased, and the road conditions deteriorated. We stopped at the second SAG stop at mile 63 and it was 103 degrees.
We were headed for the hotel, with 32 miles to go, when Liz had a flat. We stopped to change it, and Tony noticed that he had a huge gash in his tire and his tube was protruding. Blowout number 2 for the day. So we had two bikes upside down, working on tires in 103 degrees. Tony had nothing to boot his tire, so I gave him my Bonk Breaker package. He used it as a boot, inflated his tire to only 70 lbs (100 psi or more is what we have been riding) and we headed toward town. The Bonk Breaker Boot held for the rest of the trip.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and I am glad for that. I am tiring, and keeping up with my group is getting harder. They are faster riders than I am and when we are on the descents and flats it is a lot of work for me to keep pace for 95 miles. I find myself dropping frequently to ride a pace that is more comfortable for me for the distance. I hate dropping, but I know that we still have many miles ahead and I know that pacing is as important as speed. The other reason for dropping back is that it gives me more time to think. When I'm drafting and working hard to keep up, all my attention and effort goes to riding. When I drop back I can enjoy the ride, take in the scenery, and let my mind go.
Two people are leaving the tour tomorrow. They signed up only for as far as Pueblo, CO. Sunday, the day after our rest day, is the longest mileage day of the tour: 120 miles. Riders are concerned about bad weather and boredom as we make our way across the plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas. I am concerned about keeping up since we will not be climbing. It is interesting that even after three weeks of riding long days and in some hard conditions, we continue to be anxious about what is ahead.
I hope they weren't your PowerCycling shorts. That was probably the last thing you anticipated happening as you were preparing. If you call a bike shop and explain what your doing and what your dilemma is, maybe, just maybe, one of the guys or gals would be willing to drop off a pair of shorts for you. Anyway it's worth a try and if successful you can avoid time on your feet. Lesson learned from last rest day.
ReplyDeleteI remember our conversation in Bloomington about being dropped and the mindset one needs to handle it. It makes total sense to do YOUR ride. At times hanging on and at times hanging back. This is different terrain and a different stage and it sounds like you are finding a rhythm and pace that meets your needs at this point in the ride. Who knows it may change tomorrow but for right now this is what makes sense. Enjoy your well deserved rest day
If I was a bit less than 800 miles from you, I would bring you another pair of shorts - otherwise, consider wearing your "blown" pair as prep for doing the World Naked Bike Ride in June 2017.
ReplyDeleteGetting dropped, off-the-back, etc. Why do we always frame our rides with the competitive terminology of the Tour de France? While that race may take place amidst awe-inspiring beauty, few of the riders would have noticed the rafters alongside in the river because that was not why they were on the bike at that moment. You are participating in an organized venture that makes it possible for you to realize an important personal goal/accomplishment, that makes it possible for your ride to be for you, that makes it possible for your ride to be what you want it to be. Choose your own frame and construct your own ride. I've always found Ram Das as an effective construct - Be Here Now.