As I see them leaning into the wind, I know it is time to brace for yet another gust. A tight grip wide on my handlebar, I'm able to control my bike. Let's just say I'm able to stay upright. Fighting the crosswinds I almost forget there are also hills out in the lava fields. While starting to climb one hill I need to gear down.
Timing now is essential.
Between gusts, I need to move my hand off the handle bar up to my tri-bar to push down on my thumb shifter. Done this thousands of times, but never in winds like this. Hand moves briskly up to the tri-bar. I push on the thumb shifter. My strength in my fingers is zapped.