My ride today was a little bit special for me, as several "firsts" or thresholds were passed.

DH and I mapped out a 41 mile rather hilly ride through various towns in our area. (This in "training" for me for the 60 mile trip we hope to do into MA and back soon.)

Today's "firsts" or "mosts":

LONGEST single ride ever: 42 miles.
SLOWEST ride average ever: only 8.6 mph (!!!!) ....DAMNED HILLS!!!!!
FASTEST ever speed going downhill: 38.9 mph
FIRST flat tire ever. Rear tire, DH watched while I changed the flat ALL BY MYSELF with no assistance or coaching. I found the tiny brown glass sliver that was the culprit, and even patched the damaged tube when we got home. Sure isn't easy getting the rear wheel back on without turning the bike upside down- next time I will do that. I am proud of myself- I didn't forget any of the steps!
Oh....PLUS, I put the tire bead back on with just my bare hands! DH was pretty impressed by that. Next time I will attempt to take it off with just my hands as well...I just didn't think of trying it this time until halfway through the procedure.

I am rather beat and my thighs are plenty sore- so many hills. Tomorrow morning I have a small group ride I am looking forward to- only 20 miles so that should be ok if I get a decent night's sleep. The amazing thing is that my sitbones are not that sore, despite my brand new Brooks saddle not being broken in yet. I'm lucky there, as this was not the case with my first Brooks saddle 10 months ago.