Well, I got my lazy butt up today and knew I had to test it out! So, got packed up and headed for the trail. I really didnt know how far I wanted to go, but somewhere in the back of my head, I was thinking 20 miles, but I knew that was WAY beyond what I would be able to do, Oh well. I would do what I could.

Once I got started, I found it was GREAT to have the gears actually working right! It made everything so much easier! So much so, that I felt great! I got to the furthest point I had ever been, and though... I feel good, why not keep going for a bit. I decided it would be silly to stop at 7.25 miles. I wanted to make it even! I just kept going and going. I finally stopped at 10 miles! (which meant I also had 10 to go back!)

Now.. this is a rail trail, so not a lot of hills.... or not real ones. But there is a pretty constant low level grade. And the way back is almost all uphill grades from almost flat to 12% and sometimes a bit more. This was the third time I had been biking on the trail. (leaving out the one where the gears screwed up and was short and pretty frustrating) Anyway..... on both the previous rides, which were 12 and 14 miles, I had to stop about 3 times on the return trip to rest. It was kicking my butt! But... today, I was able to do the 10 out AND the 10 back without any rest stops. I did take a break when it was time to turn around and head back though.

Overall.. I felt great! Well..exhausted, hungry and tired... but great! Maybe.. just maybe I can do this!