Rose Pedals . . .: The Philosopies of Riding in a Headwind: Chewin' the Bone

Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Day 10 - Bozeman, Montana to Columbus, Montana
107 miles
2,146 feet of climbing

Today's ride to Columbus looked like it was going to be an easy day - one little climb at the beginning and then mainly flat or slightly downhill for the rest of the route. This morning, however, we were greeted with a stiff headwind that hit us hard as we rode out of Bozeman and stayed with us most of the day, at lessening degrees. My philosophy for riding in a headwind is pretty simple: nature is in charge . . . all you can do is keep the pedals moving, sit back and enjoy the ride. I know I'm going to get there eventually. : ) Early on, Art hooked up with a group of fast riders, and I found myself riding alone for much of the first half of the ride, which was very slow-going - 10 to 14 m.p.h. Then I met up with fellow rider Ed around mile 50 and the two of us worked together riding in the headwind. Ed is a very strong and fast rider. Me - I'm "strong like bull," but not very fast. Initially, we took turns pulling - 1 mile pulls. But then Ed stayed in front for more than his pull. I offered to get in front to take my pull, and Ed said no, he was fine. I said to him, "Ed, I feel so guilty not taking my pulls," and Ed replied with the quote of the day . . . perhaps the best quote of the whole tour . . . in his best "cowboy voice," he said, "Rose, this dog's perfectly content to chew this bone all by himself." From that point on, Ed & I rode together (I rode behind him), and we made great time. Our goal was to finish the ride before it started raining. We rolled in to our destination hotel just after 3 p.m. - right before it started raining . . . and much sooner than I would have arrived had I been riding alone. Great day! My new nickname for Ed is "Cowboy." : )