Because I'm more frustrated and defeated than I would have ever dreamed, and I cut my ride short and "jumped." Well, got off the bike.

Okay, so I've measured my mileage by the odometer on my car, driving the routes and then sticking to them. I've kept careful logs of my mileage, and frankly it's the mileage that has kept me motivated. Knowing that on the next ride I'd cross over 50 miles, or that if I rode three laps I'd hit 70 (total since I bought the bike, I mean), etc.

I assumed that getting my bike computer would be even better, because I'd be thinking, "Oh, 2/10ths more of a mile, and I'll have ridden another mile, I won't stop now," instead of thinking in terms of "routes" I'd be thinking in terms of miles and tenths of miles.

Except.

My 2.2 mile route? According to my Catseye Astrale is 1.68!

I am beside myself. I'm hoping that somebody will say, "Oh you just need to calibrate your computer, that's no big deal," but am afraid somebody will say, "Bike computers are more accurate than your car, so you probably haven't ridden as far as you think you have."

In which case I need somebody to REALLY talk me down, because right now if that's the case, I'm feel so defeated.

Damn.

(Plus, if my car's odometer is that off, good grief, that's criminal!)

Help!