Congratulations! And WOW!! Just 2 minutes before I read your post, I read an email from my friend, John, who'd just returned from the same trip. He's an experienced cyclist and found that 9% grade a tough pull, himself. That was a smart move on Day 1. If you'd wrecked your knee, you'd have missed out on all the great scenery on the rest of the tour.

Sounds like the tour was well supported and the scenery was magnificent. What a great first long tour.

Did I mention that I think that's an awsome accomplishment?