I have not tried the RR rides... though one time I did intend to and chickened out when I got there, rode alone instead. I had heard that they have a more guy-ish ride (go as fast as possible, stop as little as possible) feel to them.

The RLAG rides are different, very supportive of new riders. You will have NO PROBLEMS at a Walnut RLAG ride. Really. Seriously. Trust me. There are plenty of girls that are new, have fears. The ride leaders stop and talk you through all the technical sections. It is easy-peasy compared to what you have been working on with your hubby.

The HoL wasn't as hard as people made it out to be. Or maybe it is, but I just allowed myself to walk and didn't beat myself up about it. The riding in the middle is kick-*** though, so it is definately worth it to go down and back up.

I will hand off the email to DH... hopefully the weather will hold and they can do Thumper soon.

Hang in! -Heather