Awesome ride!! And yes, you will get stronger from it - you'd probably be able to do the last 2 miles next time. Sometimes you need to throw in the towel.

And I completely agree - my DH tries really hard to be nice and motivate me. But when I'm climbing a hill and everything is hurting, there is absolutely nothing he can say that will make me happy. Best to just leave be in my little zone.....

CA