I took SGTiger out on her first tour this weekend.

When we originally came up with the idea, I figured a leisurely ride, camp out and ride back. I've ridden most of the Oregon Coast bike route and she likes the Coast, so I figured it would be a perfect ride.

But, I made a mistake. I'd never ridden the section we did this weekend. Oops. We rode the hilly part. Leisurely didn't enter into the equation. The longest climb is about 2 or 3 miles long and a 7% grade.

I was proud to watch her do it. It was the first time she'd ever ridden anything like that and she did it with, I think, grace and style. I think the biggest battle she fought with herself was dealing with all of the climbing. But she never, ever gave up.

I was also happy seeing her descend. Nothing in her descending style said any of her old fears about going too fast on a bike held sway. She tucked in behind her bars and let it fly.