Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I feel much better just reading about some of your experiences. I arrived back here in VA last night and will get the bike put back together tonight. Then I will go out for a "smile ride" (loved that comment, Velobambina!). I love my bike and want to have fun on it....not feel like I am dying.

As for the iron deficiency - I am on supplements right now, but am supposed to go off soon. Maybe I need to have that re-evaluated. My doctor told me to take them through the end of July and then go on a multi-vitamin with iron.

Pictures! They are still on my camera and the camera is at home. I will bring it tomorrow and post some. Warning to LBTC - I am NOT a great photographer but more the point and shoot type.