26 miles on the levee. Morning ride, warm and muggy

Office team ride, with some of the better riders. So the way out I was able to hang with the big boys, average speed 20 mph. Even hung on when the oldest guy took the lead and bumped us to 21 - this is a man who had a spectacular crash involving avoiding an alligator on the levee and broke his shoulder and pelvis. Next leader brought us back to 20. I even managed to pull a short distance. But the effort did me in. And I dropped at mile 13, and started heading back, another rider turned around as well. The big boys continued out further

Return trip I lolly gagged until my lungs forgave me, Mike pulled us up to 18, but after a bit I had to ask him to slow down again. Lungs were still angry. About 1/2 way back to the office, I was recovered enough that we could ride in at 18.

But I was BEAT. Still I hung with the big boys for 1/2 the ride and got back before they returned.