I took my computer off the bike to charge the battery, and forgot to put it back on, so it's like tonight's ride never really happened

It was the same route we did three weeks ago, so at least I know the distance and elevation change: 37.68 miles, 1985 feet of climbing.

But I really missed my cadence monitor, and I really really miss comparing my speed and HR (especially going up the big hills) with the last time we did this loop. Particularly because I was feeling strong tonight, where last time I was feeling horrid and riding really slow.

I even got to play with the boys some I was totally intimidated when I got to the starting point because most of who showed up were the strongest riders and I was the only woman. But there was one guy I knew I could hang with, and the ride leader I can mostly usually hang with as well. As it turned out, the first guy was having an off night; we dropped him not long after we stopped for water at the midpoint. But the ride leader was riding strong. One of the really strong guys stuck with him for company and encouragement - and I stayed with them the whole ride Joined them for a few hill and sign sprints (not that I could sprint with them, but I could catch back up).

It was just what I needed to cheer myself up after a crummy few days.