I joined the club for a 60 mile ride this morning. Boy was it hilly but we traveled through some beautiful countryside. We fought a headwind the first 25 miles. I was really working hard and not making much progress, so demoralizing. When we reached the store stop (30 mile mark) I tossed around the idea of abandoning the ride for I was only 5 miles from home. I knew I could call a friend to meet me at home and take me back to my car. However, I talked myself out of it and climbed back on my bike for finish the ride. I'm glad I did not quit for as the last thrity miles flew by I grew stronger and felt better. By the time we made it back to our cars I had logged 62 miles and had an average speed of 16.2. At the 25 mile mark my average speed was only 15.4 so things did pick up and improve along the way. However, by the time I made it back to my car I was one tired puppy and I shelved the idea of heading over to the next club ride, a 25 mile ride that follows the Ohio River. My legs, lower back and abdomen were all talking to me. I did stop on the way home to treat myself to a large chocolate milkshake - yummy! My sights are now set on the club's century slated for next Saturday.