HI, Couldn't wait to get here and tell all you ladies about my first group organized ride and my first Metric century all wrapped in one. It was a couple of weeks ago (computer virus-had to wait til all was clear) and it's what 3 others that I ride with have been working towards all summer. We all bought new road bikes this spring just so we could participate in the charity ride. Riding turned into a once a week to 3-5 times a week and the house work and what ever went down hill fast. Priorities! The day of the event couldn't have been better, high 80's but minimal humidity. Started at 8am, and off the 2 of us (one lady couldn't make it) went, and another friend left at 7am for the 100. By the end of the event, we were lost twice. The first directional challenge we couldn't figure out ourselves so we called and had the offer of being picked up and put back where we missed the turn but we were like "no", so they got us from road to road and back on course- missing 2 SAG stops inbetween. The 2nd little mishap was simple and we turned around and back tracked. Our 62 turned into 75 miles. The farthest we had ever ridden before this event was 55 miles. It was a great time. The charity made out really well as it was there first riding event. They were given great suggestions about labeling roads and markers better ( as we were not the only directionally challenged persons). Next year we are looking forward to completing the 100 miler and we still ride together 2-3 times a week. I was truly amazed how other bicyclists would stop and help others out. I took a little spill (which I thought was unwitnessed) and I had 2 other riders come from no where's it seemed to see if I was alright and stayed to help me get the stone jammed out of my brake lever. Thanks for listening..couldn't wait to tell all you ladies, reading your stories has been a great inspiration for me. shelly j