Hey Mimi! I just read your post. Believe it or not, I broke myself away from this site for several days because of so much going on in my life. I also didn't ride since my big ride I posted about ... until today.

Anyways, I'm so encouraged reading about your ride. Getting up that hill like it's not a huge deal! YAY! Anything with a 9% grade is HUGE! I have learned, however, that #1 ... stressing about it does no good and #2 ... keeping at a consistent "do-able" cadence and pace helps a lot. (As opposed to really trying to push it to make it up, and then hitting the wall in sheer exhaustion. Also, zig zaggin helps when all else fails!

On my big climb, my husband was trying to encourage me to stand at a very slow pace, not pushing too hard like I'm trying to sprint or anything ... and demonstrated how slow he could go while standing without exerting himself too much. But I have to work those muscles more before doing that.

Anyways, good for you on your hilly work out, keeping up with a group and everything!