High from a Great Ride!

Tonight was the women only ride from Bike World. Pete and I headed to Bike World where we found a large group of women assembling for the ride. He decides to head out on his ride, but promises to meet me at the bottom of my hill to cheer me up. As we get ready for the ride, we gab (as women do) and I learn some of these women haven't been out before. Some have never ridden with J.D., some haven't been out yet this season, some have only been out a couple times, and some are brand new to shoes and clips. Of course, there are some experienced riders too. As we share some quick tips, I'm excited that I may learn something from other new riders, and I may have some random tip to share with them.

After a quick pre-ride briefing, review of communication terms and hand signals, we head out. As a group ride goes, we quickly break into two groups based on our speed. I'm surprised to discover that I'm keeping up with the more experienced group. Wow! We get to the intersection where the experienced riders go for a few more miles and a quicker speed. I hear J.D. approaching and announcing to the newer riders the approach of a right turn. So I turn right. Phew! Then I realize I'm now leading the newer riders. How did I become the leader of the pack? I'm not complaining, but I'm surprised.

J.D. hollers at me to wait at the next stop sign. It's still a ways up there, but I know that she wants a regroup. I arrive and we all begin to regroup. It's even a quick opportunity for some more socializing. Then I hear a man's voice say "keep on rolling." He can't be talking to us, this is the women only ride. Wrong! I had seen Sam as we passed him a ways back, but he was going in the opposite direction. I didn't realize that once he found J.D. among us that he hooked up with us and was helping to coach the group. So, we head out, a bit jumbled and some struggling with their shoes and pedals, but we're off.

We come to the rolling hills and I'm ready! I know how to attack these and although it's HOT, I'm determined to kick butt on these hills. First hill approaches, I attack and my cadence goes to 110. I shift twice and I'm at the top of the hill. Piece of cake! Next hill, same thing. Next hill, I'm passing people up the hill. Now for the last, and biggest hill of this series. It's more of a challenge, a few shifts later and I'm up. Sam approaches and is cheering from behind. As he passes me, he says, "Way to go! All the way up that hill and in the middle ring! That's amazing!" I smile a Cheshire grin and think, "Really? Someone would use the small ring on that hill?" Whoa! Where did that come from? Am I beginning to think hills are not as much of a challenge as they once were? Truth be told, I don't recall ever using the small ring on that hill, but maybe that makes the hill that much easier for me.

We pass Pete and I give a big wave. I'm having a blast tonight. Forget the fact that it's 101 out. This is fun. Oh wait, the hill is coming. We make our way toward my hill and I start working on my self-talk and getting my plan of attack. Just as I approach the stop sign, Pete is behind me checking my shifting plan. We turn the corner. The hill is looming in front of me. There is a mess of women cyclists at the base of the hill almost swarming. J.D. is telling them to turn left. What? This means we don't go up my hill. I'm relieved, yet disappointed. J.D. points out that she never takes new riders up that hill. So last week's leader truly didn't know where she was going. I've conquered a hill J.D. doesn't think new riders should be on! I'm okay with that.

At the big hill (which was the second big hill on Tuesday) Pete is behind me cheering me on. The others have pulled away from me, but I'm making it up. Pete cheers me to the top and then won't let me shift until I catch my breath. I'm ready for a break and some Gatorade. The group is waiting at the intersection and cheers me on as I get to the intersection. Whew! Tough work, but it is rewarding!

Vicki and I chat a little as we ride along. A couple of the new girls and I exchange short sentences here and there. We'd be a much more talkative bunch if we were all in shape. We head back and somewhere along the way, I became the slow one in the group. That's okay. I made it back and had a great ride. I am truly on a high from tonight's ride. J.D. tells Pete he's welcome to join us anytime. I took advantage of being around some more experienced women riders and talked to them about their saddles. From J.D.'s point-of-view, I'm looking at getting the correct saddle too. Good news! I like it when I do my research, think I've picked out what I want, and then an expert tells me I'm right.

I'm really glad Pete convinced me to start going on this ride. It may only be ten miles, but it can be more when I'm ready. Honestly though, I get so much more from this ride by talking to the other women. It's not about the miles. It's a little bit about the achievement. But, mostly, it's about the friendships, support, sharing, and learning that we all do at these rides!

Goals
Today's Miles: 9.5
Total Miles Achieved: 183.7
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0