Yesterday, I lead a ride with 3 other people. We had about 20 people for a 40 mile very hilly ride through Acton, Boxborough, Harvard, Bolton, Stow, and then back for a BBQ at my friend's house. Well, we decided to split the group in 2, with my husband leading the "faster" group and me sweeping. The other 2 leaders wereleading the slower group. After 6 miles we stopped to regroup and I was panting. They were going 20 (up a hill) and I could barely stay on the back. But since I was the sweep, it didn't matter. Still, this was a very un-AMC group. My husband kept trying to get them to stop and view the scenery (beautiful) but they didn't want to. At about 32 miles two guys were struggling, so I had a real excuse to stay back with them. They were very nice and we talked for the rest of the way back. Delicious food and beautiful weather followed.
But, I was exhausted. Myaverage was just under 15, and for a ride with SERIOUS climbing, this is good for me.