I finally went out for the group social ride. I got home late, but hurried to dress out and load the bike into the car, ate a banana, and hauled booty to the meeting site. Pulled in at 6:28, with 2 minutes to spare

I was the only newbie there, but it was a blast. A man who is REALLY tall rode next to me most of the time and it was great! My teeny XS bike, next to his huge bike

Anywho, we got to a water break and I was asked whether I wanted to take the short route or the longer one. As the newbie I didn't want to be a burden to the more experienced, so I asked how long the "long route" was. I was told 19. I nodded and said "As long as you give me water stops (I haven't mastered drinking while riding) I'll be fine". Off we went.

I did good, until our last water stop "before the big push back into the city". I started to feel slightly weak....I think that may be because other than the banana I hadn't had anything to eat since lunch. Anywho, I popped a few sports beans in my mouth, downed more water and energy returned.

After we made it back to town, most people broke off and went home. By the time I made it back to my car, 21 miles were ridden in EXACTLY 1.5 hours. Not too shabby, especially since my charity ride next month is a 20 mile ride.

The group was great, but much smaller than my old Corpus Christi rides. I managed to stay right in the middle for most of the ride....falling to the back only when the group did a sprint to a stop sign.....I just wasn't ready to take that on.

I look forward to doing it again next week.