laughlaugh... the fact that you crossed the finish line, without having a vehicle drive you across it, means you completed that ride! YOU ROCK!

I have ridden Solvang and I think the reason it may have been deemed "easy" is due to the distance not the climbing... this is a heck of a ride to choose for your first 25 miler good for you!!!

and yep, it IS all relative... after being off the bike for 3 months I have to say, that what were "easy" climbs last year are mountains again right now so I know I have to go out and do hill repeats to get back to where I was. Oh joy.

Congrats on completing your ride... and on NOT being in pain!