OK, PW...I have to say, I want very much to be inspired by your tales of never having won anything...being the slow and steady one...I can relate to that.

But, then I read in your report the kinds of speeds you kept up for 30 miles at the beginning, etc...and although I know you didn't keep that up...those speeds sound like you are capable of being quite fast.

I know it might all be relative...sounds like you are a fairly high caliber rider, riding with very fast athletes.

But...it sounds like you are pretty darn fast, too!

I love the idea of someday doing the kind of ride you just did...but I have to admit, the possibility sounds pretty remote to me, for me. Help me out! What's your background...where did you start, etc.