I set a personal distance record on Labor Day - 61 miles and averaging a bit over 16 mph on the rolling hills of SW Michigan. Not too bad for a 44 year old who has not been able to ride this summer as much as she would like (work, family, you know).

I got back into cycling about 2 years ago; I started with a hybrid, then a cross bike (the wider tires made me comfortable), and now have a road bike. Cycling has enabled me to enjoy sports in a way I have not felt since I was a teenage jock.

The ride was great. The last 10 miles were not my proudest moments on a bike but I did it. And then I ate a ton - yet another benefit of cycling!