I've been dying to hear how the two of you did on Manchester Rd on a Saturday "noonish". What a traffic nightmare -- how many people would you say rode it? I'm glad you both had a great time!

My friend and I road the Trek Breast Cancer Awareness event this morning in Lake Norman State Park in North Carolina as our first ever group ride, too. It was 41F when I got up this morning but 50+ by the time the ride began and sunny and beautiful. We had a great time, too, and some KILLER hills for beginners (which I am). Luckily, I wasn't watching the Garmin other than one glance on the last hill at the tail end of the ride. I saw 11%, just kept pushing and was glad I hadn't been watching! (One of these days I might even remember to use those granny gears!) It was a wonderful event for a great cause and those freebee Trek gloves are fantastic!!!

A big thank you to Susan for rushing me the TE Cannondale LE jacket and knickers after I heard the forecast and for everyone who gave advice on cool weather clothing. That jacket was every bit as warm in 40 degree temps as you guys said it would be!