Starfish- I read the other thread first, so my comments here are on your wonderful account of your ride as well as allowing us a window into your personal life.

One of the things I love about climbing on a bike is it takes on a form of meditation. It's a lot like climbing mountains where you put one foot in front of the other slowly making it up the hill. Being outside and communing with nature is, to me, a healing process. Through our breath and concentration our bodies can rejuvenate in a spirtual and mental way. I'm so moved by your account of how you used this ride to not only accomplish a very big riding goal, but also to allow yourself to heal.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. You are an inspiration in so many ways.