Jobob, thank you for your description of how far you have come. I find it very inspirational. Four years ago, I was thrilled to ride 12 flat miles on a bike path. This year, I am setting as my main goal ride the Shasta Summit Century, hoping for the 100 mile finish.

I really appreciate your stories, because although I have become a better cyclist, and fitter on the bike, than I was when I started about 3-4 years ago, I have not gotten better/faster at the rate I thought I might. My average MPH is quite slow, and there are a lot of people I cannot go on rides with because of it.

This is despite reading books, setting up periodization, and working with a heart rate monitor. But, this year I am trying to work more with how my body feels, doing more cross-training, and trying new approaches. So, I am hoping for a different result this year.

I have gotten in about 6500 feet or so this month, and my goal was 10,000, so with two more long rides yet to get in, I think I might make it.