February 6, 2011 - I did it!

Today we rode more miles than ever before - 50 miles!  The miles weren't the problem...there were HILLS and HEADWINDS!  I have to admit I wanted to quit or said "I can't make it up this hill".  David didn't let me stop.  He kept encouraging me to keep going, keep going!  I also rode with my new clip-less shoes...which I dislike completely.  We took off and I had a hard time clipping into my left shoe plus there were so many riders around me.  It made me so nervous.  Then at our first stop (12 miles) I clicked out of the right side and didn't the left and of course I tried to stop and yes I took a tumble.  Scratched up my left knee and blood was running down my leg.  Everyone around was so supportive saying "we have all done it" and one guy was so nice and gave me something to clean it all off with as he said "those who fall always get entertainment points"!  Well, I scored one for the team!  Can't wait to show my kids tomorrow in class.  OK...so now you see why I don't like the new shoes.  I also don't feel like I can stop anytime and rest...I feel like I really have to plan and forget about stopping on a hill!  The wind was terrible blowing either into our face or better yet from the side.  Didn't help with all the big trucks pulling their horse trailers going 100+ as they passed us.  New shoes, unfamiliar roads, lots of people and hills.  What a day!  I came home took a long hot bath and 2 Aleve.  I am exhausted.  Wonder how I am going to do in April when I have to get up the next day and repeat a long ride!  For now....I'm going to bed!