Lessons in Headwinds -The Great Divide Mountain Bike Adventure-Part 21

[@duzer]

Colorado truly is beautiful, but those big ol' mountains make for some tough days in the saddle. Do any of you have tips for battling headwinds?

[@RobertJamesYngente]

i just pedal and not think of it. appreciate the things in slo-mo. i remind myself this isn't a race and ill get there eventually.

[@stephenblair4464]

Get small, or get on the back wheel of someone big. Too bad Kevin is not around. Really appreciate your awesome videos!

[@pavanatanaya]

I'm a yoga guy. I chant in Sanskrit. Believe it or not, you forget all about the battle

[@MrClayph0to]

Kansas....... where headwinds were invented. If I'm getting serious headwind, I never allow myself to hurry. Find the gear that allows me to pedal in the 85-100 RPM range and keeps my heart rate no higher than the lower end of zone 3. Speed and time will take care of itself from there. If you try to muscle through, power through, or race into headwind, the wind will beat you up every time. Though as part of what Stephen suggests, that's one of the reason I like mid to deep drop bars for touring. Allows me to stay up, relaxed, and give my lungs room to breath while in the hoods and tops. But when I hit a headwind, that deeper bar allows me to get small when I need it.

[@gobybike99]

I thought Dana had a tent? Why did the tent get shared? Just wondering about the details of camping along the trail. If none of my business that is fine.

[@SJ987672890D]

This totally lifted my spirits as I lay in this hospital bed, waiting for surgery tomorrow morning. I’ve been watching you since the first Love Cycles episode. I haven’t been able to log the miles on my road bike the past year or so, but your videos give me hope. Your such a positive soul and I look forward to the next, and future episodes. Thank you Ryan!

[@kathryngarcia8800]

Be well!

[@duzer]

Oh man! I’m wishing you all the best tomorrow. Heal up buddy

[@sharonaston3433]

Take care you will be and on your way very soon, God Bless

[@curtbrown7967]

Well that was some hippy happy goofy goodness. Thanks for being a good humored human Ryan.

[@duzer]

They’re great folks out there, love meeting all walks of life

[@tjernst6315]

Dana = the best. Thank you for sharing her with us, Ryan!

[@duzer]

She is indeed the best!

[@bengrad5478]

Dana is awesome! Love how she's always on the move while on tour, I'm the same way!

[@hemaccabe4292]

It’s like the bicycle talk show, friends come, friends go. Very cool.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Ryan, Love your Tour Divide series. I’m presently on my own adventure bikepacking north from Key West to South Carolina. Having a blast. Will be celebrating my 68th birthday on the trail this week. So far No Crashyes, No Wamyes, No Flaties... Cycle on!!!

[@duzer]

Right on!! Enjoy your adventure and NO WHAMMIES!!

[@billjustice5247]

So awsome ,ride safe and have a great birthday .

[@jazziered142]

I'm following Steve, and am enjoying his adventure.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@jazziered142 Thank you for the compliment. The East Coast Greenway was awesome. I will finish the east coast of the USA next fall.

[@blain5827]

Class act giving Dana the tent to herself ✊✌️

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

It’s like watching a movie for the second time, just can’t get enough of your adventures. Thank you for having them. I have a tunnel I ride under often and now I do your Ole Ole Ole!! So. Much. Fun. 🚐🚴‍♀️🏕

[@RedHeadAgent]

You gotta love Miss Dana....when her first waking comment is... "it's time to get this party started!" What a beautiful state CO is! I would have never guessed all of the nuances that it has to offer. Wonderful video, Ryan. Thanks again!

[@duzer]

Dana wakes up ready to go!

[@oregoniangal]

Sat down with my blueberries and oatmeal this morning and was munching on a few bites when this video opened on oatmeal with the hippies 😅 Enjoying every day I watch another episode! That indeed was a tough day on trail. Tough days on and off trail are real. Combination of Trust/faith and deep gratitude get me through. I always know, this too shall pass. Everything is always changing. Excited to watch tomorrow morning for your first episode going solo. Ride on Ryan!

[@gary62or45]

Great morning to start a ride. Great shots of the bison. Dana, you are so insightful, and compassionate. Beautiful countryside, all uphill headwind !!Push on you two. Thank you for the mention of dehydration and kidney stones. I’m just in the process of passing one.. thank you. Beautiful mountain scape after achieving success on that butt kicker 13 degree mountain. Enjoy the ice cream. Salida, what a quaint little town. Keep it going Ryan, good seeing you again Dana, peddle on. Enjoy, see you next episode..

[@BrianKrahmer]

i loved seeing that downhill into Salida. i've ridden Buena Vista -> Salida via Aspen Ridge twice, and can't wait to move back to do it again

[@hemaccabe4292]

Dana powering up that hill was amazing.

[@A_AAA232]

Hey Ryan, thanks for all the positivity, the beautiful people, the beautiful trails - some really positive vibes and words of wisdom to take from this vlog in these crazy times - thanks

[@duzer]

I appreciate that!

[@starfighter1972]

In each adventure You are always the last man standing.

[@corrineleistikow]

Bye, Dana! So fun to see you again! That climb before Salida went on forever! But the downhill into town was so sweet!

[@sagehiker]

Unicorn Ranch, always the clear eyed Dana rejoiner. Head wind on bikes is just life. Just find your mantra and get down the gears. Except those side gusts. They will knock you down. I had it happen 2x this year. That is why I love flat pedals.

[@cocochanel9291]

Dana sums it up well in one comment. When the day is tough, look around where else do you have to be than right here in this place, in this moment. It is a great way of slowing anxiety, and grounding yourself.

[@duzer]

Dana is my Guru!

[@wakweikafelix]

I love watching these videos and soaking in the positivity! It's a great way to live life. I miss Mira, John, and Kevin already. Thank you Dana for sharing your experience with us. Thank you Ryan for the documentation and capturing awesome shots! Looking forward to the next video!

[@justwondering786]

We miss John, Mira and Kevin (May the roads be happy 😃

[@duzer]

I imagine that we’ll meetup another time

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

Dana is so AWESOME!!! "We don't have anything else to do than to be right here."

[@erictebben8206]

Love, love , love... thank you

[@fa1coner]

Met a fellow RVD fan in Big Bend NP on my first bikepacking trip this week.

[@canica99]

everytime you and Dana get together, you both just have a great adventure and the chemistry is amazing. She is an amazing person and one of these days I am going to ride this part of your route which is just breath taking and go and eat and say hello to Dana. Cheers...you can be a little cheezy at times but you are an amazing adventurer with a great heart and amazing energy and vibe. Pura Vida Ryan.

[@duzer]

Dana is the best! Pura Vida

[@dukeloo]

Thanks for these videos it allows us to escape the media/election coverage and live vicariously through your journeys. Thank You.

[@duzer]

Glad that I could provide a little escape

[@rosariolobo7192]

It's amazing how you can better the already perfect videos. You always bring out the magic Ryan. I love the new playlist, the sound of the shaver every morning, the whisper narration on those cold mornings and the awe that every magical moment brings. I just love watching your reactions when those happens! I can't wait for the lone adventures. Those are super inspiring! Thanks for another great series. You're the bestest of the best!

[@nickmartian9527]

Oh I just love Dana! Her wisdom and inspiring thoughts while on the road, the energy inspite of her age and her last option when she already run out of gear just to reach the top, THE HEART. Sooo inspiring.Wish I can still rock like her when I reach that age. ~Dana's big fan here

[@toppsguy]

The positively of this episode is truly a window into the light in such a dark year

[@PumpkinVillage]

That scenery was outstanding. That compound was great. Dana is a beast. Thanks for bring us along. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@JeffSchodde]

I'm constantly impressed by the Priority 600 and how versatile it can be. Thanks for sharing!

[@duzer]

It’s a pretty sweet machine

[@toraltoral403]

This is so inspiring. I always am anxious for your next post! Thank you for this amazing content.

[@amanekabbaj]

Gotta look after that awesome café. Make sure it’s still around in a year!

[@duzer]

We sure hope so!

[@genewest8426]

Nothing compares to Duzer tv! Thanks Ryan y Dana😍

[@duzer]

Thank you for watching!!

[@LVang152]

Love Dana attitude towards life.

[@duzer]

Dana is the best

[@marykemp1079]

Great views when you guys turned the corner into Salida! The baby buffalo were cute too. :)

[@mikerockwood8988]

Awww. So many goodbyes. Yet the adventure continues! Thanks for sharing once again Ryan.

[@hardmtnbiker]

That camp was truly amazing and what an amazing place to visit and live! Riding up a 13% grade is pretty epic and definitely makes you earn that ice cream. Thanks Ryan!

[@DeniseLookingOut]

Camp Indigo was just amazing. I do Hipcamps all the time, such good people everywhere.

[@duzer]

Yeah, awesome people for sure!

[@alexandravincent562]

Just what I needed on this day after Election Day. Thanks Ryan and Dana!

[@duzer]

Glad that we could provide

[@BBB_Adventures]

We've really been enjoying this tour of the divide. Wow, Camp Indigo was super fantastic and another example of how the Road Angels provide when you need it. Dana was killing it on those hills!! When we saw Dana had to leave, we wished we could join you. Keep pumping out all that positivity, we all need it.

[@duzer]

We’ll ride together someday!! Ragbrai 2021?

[@vivianryder698]

What a nice pick-me-up! Thanks for the amazing video. Love seeing Dana in your videos because she’s so positive and sweet ❤️

[@calktmrider87]

What an episode. Dana is awesome.

[@duzer]

She sure is!

[@richardp6461]

Excellent installment. Man I love me some hippies. Going to miss Dana she is a very positive person. Now you are alone with your thoughts and I know you enjoy it sometimes. It makes me wonder who will pop up on the horizon to share the journey with you.

[@duzer]

Stay tuned!!

[@91LX50Mike]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Ryan/Dana...You both continue to restore my faith in Humanity....Cannot wait to meet Dana at her cafe...Maybe it will be a double bonus and you will just happen to be eating Bfast there that day....love it

[@duzer]

You’ll love her cafe!! Hope to meet you as well

[@chrisbarker270]

You are both awesome and you go girl. Love you

[@lancelot6011]

That song “limitless” is such an awesome motivating song for cycling-especially when climbing

[@garryruggiero5849]

You two are GREAT together

[@bikepacker87]

aww I love seeing Dana, sad she's leaving. Hope you can get together some day again! Thanks Ryan for the video! Stay safe 😁🙏

[@duzer]

You’ll see a lot more of Dana!

[@bikepacker87]

@@duzer Yey! Dana is such a sweetheart. I admire her alot! Keep safe you two! 😊♥️

[@bikepacker87]

@@duzer Yey! Dana is such a sweetheart. I admire her alot! Keep safe you two! 😊♥️

[@akactors]

super awesome. Thank you for sharing!

[@coloradonativedude221]

Hey Ryan, Great video and great series. I'm a cyclist and not much of a KZbin viewer. But I gotta admit, I've been checking out KZbin every few days to see if the next GDMB video is there. Congrats on what must have been a grueling and rewarding trip.

[@p4ldinho]

Dana just seems like a warm, beautiful soul....I'll definitely be stopping by her cafe next time I'm in Boulder

[@duzer]

I hope you do, she makes the best food!

[@lukespack]

Tough day for riding especially for Dana. I think she and Ryan have the same gearing but it is tough for Dana hauling all that stuff. She is just not as physically strong as Ryan in bicycle packing. Dana, please take care of yourself. We all love you. Those mountains were gorgeous. Ryan you are back to cycling alone. That has pluses and minuses. Better for your filming but I would guess it gets kind of lonely too. Ryan, your American dream is also different. Colorado did itself proud on Tuesday.

[@gabrijelos]

Every thursday (in Europe) and sunday I am so excited, because new episode is online! And like Dana saying, I never seen this... episode before... But just in case I look every episode 2 times!

[@duzer]

I'm glad that I can provide you with a smile twice a week!

[@johnvanderhulst4778]

Thank you Ryan for another great video, greetings Johnny from the Netherlands.

[@duzer]

My pleasure! Sending high fives from Colorado!

[@gregglatz]

Much love, Ryan. This has been your most heart warming and inspiring series yet.

[@SummeRulz]

So so many KZbin videos have contributed to my quality if life. Thanks Ryan

[@duzer]

That makes me happy!!

[@SummeRulz]

@@duzer id be THRILLED to contribute $100 towards trasportation to India for you know....

[@michaelmatthews4096]

Great video of you guys and the view is amazing,proud of you guys.

[@karllorossanodasilvarossan8708]

Very good! Dana and you, are maximun! Congratulations!👏🙏🙏

[@duzer]

Yes, thank you

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

The Winds of Change blowing in one's face is better than no change at all

[@alesiabock9305]

Riding downhill into a headwind. I always wondered what constituted a “whammy”. Thx Ryan and Dana for all the words of wisdom... and nice happy puffy clouds 🥰

[@duzer]

Happy little clouds for the win!

[@mojosdad68]

I was wonder what a whammy was myself.

[@daleschmitz5832]

I believe a whammy constitutes any unintended issue or circumstance that falls short of a crashy...and is not a flatty. Like running low on food/water, swallowing a bug, getting pelted by hail, etc.

[@daleschmitz5832]

Hahaha, or the most common whammy of all as mentioned by Ryan, HEADWINDS 💨

[@Fat2Fit5k]

So glad to see a new video. I just got caught up the other day needed more Duzertv in my life.

[@duzer]

Glad that I could provide some smiles! Thanks for watching

[@Fat2Fit5k]

@@duzer no problem at all thank you so much for all the extra work to film it. I know it can't be easy

[@raymondherrick1942]

Wow- great bison shots- I wonder how rare a white bison is? Thanks Dana for tips when it gets tuff!!

[@joanneleyva4942]

Ryan, following your adventures during COVID. has helped ease my wanderlust. Thanks so much. You da bomb!

[@duzer]

Glad that I can help!

[@Lughnerson]

I think the scenery in this episode was my favorite. "IT'S A BIG BLUE SPANISH SKY, I lay on my back and watch the clouds go by."

[@Lughnerson]

Every time I ever smell white sage, there's a second pause with eyes closed and I think "Ah, magic time."

[@vanillagrizzley]

Ryan, Thank you. I watch these episodes with my two boys that you gave a shout out to when I stopped you at RAGBRAI 2019. Great content and safe travels bud!

[@duzer]

Awesome!! Give your boys a high five from me

[@vanillagrizzley]

Always do! Thanks again my friend!!!

[@chuckw1021]

Talk about the wide open spaces, wow. Sometimes headwinds are so tuff that it feels like even if you turned around and went the other way the wind would still be in your face.

[@duzer]

I agree, it hits from all sides sometimes

[@unchewable1]

More great stuff man love the series and want to do the divide in pieces for now i will do little overnighters

[@keneppink7272]

Nice video Ryan! The views are awesome! Love watching this series your doing it right my man. Tip for head winds is easy only ride single track in the woods lol 😆

[@duzer]

Ha!! Good point

[@derekmann857]

Its awesome to see Ryan on Priority website! Looks like that just might be my next bike.

[@duzer]

They’re a great company

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Go Dana! Go Dana! Beastly last climb. Sorry she had to go!

[@bdoubleu4393]

I been enjoying your great divide series but will you have any more Apollo rides uploaded

[@kevinwilliam1673]

I was so psyched to watch this vid after the emotional roller coaster of this day, and it did Not disappoint. Well, that is with the exception of one point, and that is Dana's departure. I'm confused though. I thought she was staying on with you for 10 days? Nevertheless, this was a great redirection from the past 24 hours of election day hell!

[@vintagebikes3073]

Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole!!!!! Colorado Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole!!!!

[@robertbotta6536]

Wow! Epic! So good guys.

[@rdkuless]

Hi Ryan and Dana.. Can you recommend a warm sleeping bag that is small enough for bike packing.. Something that is economical. I tend to feel cold.

[@garyives1218]

Headwinds can be incredibly noisy too. There have been times I've wished I had earplugs. 1:50 Amp Human gave out those buffs like your friend is wearing at an event I went to. Still the only buff I have :)

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

Ryan what do you think of a sella SMP type of split saddle? Is supposed to be marketed as a... Stationary cycle seat? And I run them on all of my electric bicycles.. And the non-electric ones ... With a thud buster seatpost which is worth the weight Imo. A little give in the seat post allows to ride in more leg extension comfortably

[@kevinthomson6324]

Wow it’s gonna be quiet when you’re all by yourself Ryan. Been what 3 states now since you’ve been on your own this trip. But I’m sure you’ll still manage to meet lots of people as always.

[@duzer]

Yep, stay tuned for some more road magic!

[@davi8978]

Amazing videos as usual :D

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

When you're out in the headwind do you keep your tires fully inflated even though you're riding gravel? I'm wondering...? You seem to keep your seat a bit low with quite a bit of hip and knee flexion? to compensate for the wind? I like just a little bit of flexion with the pedal in the down position.. seems to be better in mechanical advantage for the hamstrings, less interior knee pain, Also more attack on the handlebars... of course the terrain here in Jersey is much different.. is that a better technical riding position that you're in I'd imagine? Easier to balance and to put your foot down if necessary?

[@denniswells2885]

wow - not only are you a great bicyclist but you can sing as well - enjoy all your vids

[@duzer]

That might be a stretch, but THANKS!

[@Volkmannx]

Awesome!

[@duzer]

Awesome!!!

[@SummeRulz]

Yeah Dana. Do you have thick cold tender cuts of CO beef on bread instead of ground beef(or bison🤢) burgers?

[@katherinefisher6847]

I'm a couch potato in Ames, IA. Found your RAGBRAI vlogs, so I'm hooked now. Love all of them and all the people you meet. Amazing. I also follow Cross Timbers Bison in OK. Check it out. A young couple runs a bison ranch. Maybe you can find a bike route nearby. All the best to you. John and Mira too.

[@duzer]

Very cool! I love Ames. Meeting people is my favorite part

[@williamwade7059]

I was wondering about those double panniers.

[@MrMonikerjay]

Seems like Dana did pretty well on the Priority 600 with modifications. Thinking of getting either the 600 or the 600x depending on the budget I'll have. Both seem like amazing machines.

[@duzer]

Yeah, the 600 can handle some mild gravel and dirt roads, but if you wanna ride on more technical terrain, the 600x is your bike. Cheers

[@scottamy404]

Living the dream!

[@theDalaiLloyd]

Can’t get over being stoked that Dana and I have the same helmet lol. Love the videos!

[@duzer]

That is awesome! It's a good looking helmet

[@lanyouree8532]

Meet Mother Earth! And Dana is always right, I haven’t seen this day before.

[@jmoore3854]

Love your videos and adventures. You inspired me to do a long gravel/MTB ride next year after RAGBRAI. Was thinking of dividing the Great Divide Route into 3rds and doing it over three years. If I do the northern section from Whitefish to Jackson would I be better off to take my full suspension 29er MTB or my Seven titanium road bike that can take a maximum 32mm width gravel tire. My Seven is lighter, faster and can carry more but worried the tires are not wide enough. John from Chicago

[@duzer]

I wouldn’t take a road bike on the divide, it wouldn’t be very comfortable on a lot of the terrain. On the other end, a full suspension is overkill.

[@jmoore3854]

Thanks for getting back to me. It looks like I need to buy a new bike lol. A few weeks ago I rode across Missouri on the Katy trail which is crushed limestone and was surprised how comfortable my rode bike was on 32mm gravel tires running 40psi but no downhills or large rocks. I will take your advise and take my MTB. Just need to figure out water storage.

[@gaxtniq]

That icecream at the end of the ride looked sooo good! I would have toughed those hills with you guys just to have one of those yummy cones!!

[@duzer]

It’s was pretty darn tasty

[@RUN_RGB]

Ryan, you are definitely one beast of a rider going up those hills with all that mileage behind it...You should do a series where you go hunting from Strava KOMs 😉 Great episode as always...I hope there are at least 20 more to go! 😊

[@zootopia8586]

People like you so much they leave you. How does genuine love stand a chance.

[@kujo541]

Duzer you the man 👊

[@Vinaykumarel]

Happy Thursday, infact everyday is Happy

[@TheTrakker]

Man, I wish I could have came and filled in for Dana when she went home. Ole Papa would have a tough time with the altitudes, but I think I could survive. Slowly, and not painlessly, mind you. But survive I would.

[@bbreakout]

I’m dreading the day this series ends

[@duzer]

All good things come to an end, but I'll find something else to do in the future

[@jonpoon3896]

Good job on those hills... probably could’ve learned to zig zag like Kevin 😉

[@duzer]

;)

[@mhernandez4576]

Wow...imagine the stories we missed there!