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Three Minutes!

By Jan Nesset

Arriving in 3 hours, 27 minutes and 15 seconds, I beat the train to Silverton by nearly three minutes on my fastest of two rides of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. I am informed that the train chugs the route at a consistent average of 3 1/2 hours. But did I beat it, really?

In John Peel's story, "Did You Really Beat the Train?," pg. 14, I learn that I did not beat the train. Having started that race from the Durango Recreation Center in a mens division of the road race, I started six minutes ahead of where the train starts. It's also where the Citizen's Tour starts.

As a newcomer to the Iron Horse, I pedaled under the assumption that the race against the train is a Durango-to-Silverton competition. Upon arriving in Silverton from Durango and seeing no train, I was jubilant. I know better now. It's a this starting line-to-that finish line competition, which, I've learned since, wasn't lost solely on me.

Regardless of the spread of the misperception, my best finish actually puts me 2 minutes and 45 seconds behind the train. I'm counting. I've started at both places, College Ave. and the Rec Center, and prefer starting at the Rec Center for the crisper starts. Obviously, I'm not speedy enough to contend with the bike-against-bike racers but I believe I can beat the train.

It means I've gotta get on my bike for a third time. And, come May 29, I plan to. I don't mind. The Iron Horse is a fun ride and I do want the feather in my cap of beating the train. I know I can do better. Who's with me?

We have more biking fun in this issue but what will first catch a regular reader's eye are changes in our look, starting with the cover where we've tweaked the style of our title. What you're witnessing is the beginning of an evolution of our new look. We've enlisted a couple of top-notch designers to bring to us their vision and design ideas, which in time we'll either select or marry into our final look.

If you've noticed through the years that we're methodically and consistently making changes to Inside/Outside magazine, consider yourself an astute observer. If we quicken the pace - and we just might - imagine the possibilities - all for you! Stay tuned!