Best of both worlds

[Longhorn]

Since my usual bike trail was closed Saturday and I was itching to ride, I decided to give my neighborhood another try. I'm glad I did! I'm sure it was just a change in confidence and familiarity with my bike since I haven't been riding long enough to actually be stronger but I was able to take hills I wasn't able to take before -- no walking. I made two circuits adding up to five miles -- about half what I have been riding but I figure it's a tougher ride here. And I'm already sizing up the hills on different routes and can see being able to take them someday.

It's great having alternatives and not being afraid to ride in my own neighborhood.

[BiggJawn]

1. Attagirl!

I'll bet you actually are stronger. It doesn't take long.
I did 33 miles yesterday, 16 of it into a 10MPH headwind

Rode from my house to work (16 miles) in 1 hour, 16 minutes, took about 1:40 to get back home.

[Longhorn]

2. There's a math problem there somewhere!

Let's see, distance equals rate times time, add the tailwind, subtract the headwind . . . ;)

I read about your ride yesterday -- I hope you're not sore after all. I'm amazed that I haven't been sore at all. Maybe my working out on the elliptical and strength training before I did this put me in better shape than I thought!

Thanks for the encouragement! I just got back from my ride at the track and my average speed has already increased from 9.3 mph last week to more than 11 mph this week! I LOVE this!