Everything aligned for a near perfect ride yesterday! I've only been back on the bike (specialized dolce vita, love her alot!!) for a couple of weeks with tons of weight to lose. 40 pounds to be exact.

LRRH kicked my bu** last weekend, but I completed the 47 miles. I'm an ex-RAGBRAI-er, LOVE hot weather and short rolling hills. Cold weather and long flats in the wind take me out! Did two short training rides during the week, before and after a bout of stomach flu, and was going to just ride 25 miles......but that just wasn't to be! Almost no wind, warm and GREAT breaks - I decided to try the metric century. Just a little head wind on the last 15 miles, but I crossed the finish line (to much fanfare, cheering, and great food at the end!).

Kept my average speed between 16 and 18, down to a crawling 12 mph in the wind, with short 20-22 mph sprints.

Adjusted seat height, which may have given my neck/shoulders some relief. My biggest complaint is my hands. I do have carpal tunnel, and though I try NOT to, I know that I rest on my hands, I'm sure. Better core strength will help that.

Now, I wonder if I really should have tried the 100??