So we rode yesterday on a "beginner's" trail. It was a little over 11 miles with over 2,000 feet elevation gain, but not all at once. About 1,200 all in the beginning, then down for a bit, then up again, then down more.

http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=901

Not very many obstacles to freak out over, just a lot of gravelly loose, sandy sections. Steep in parts. I walked my bike up a few of the steeper hills, walked down a couple of the steeper little hills and over two rocky sections that were smooth rocks, but just too steep for my comfort level. I did better on some of the downhills than I have recently. Uphill was still a struggle: had to stop and catch my breath after nearly every steep section. Love how the reviews say the steep section is "not enough to catch your breath". Yeah, right.

It took us 2.5 hours of riding time (not including over an hour total spent stopped) at my speed. That's about 45 minutes longer than the average. All the stopping going up, and my very, very slow pace going down (good thing the brakes work!) We were passed by everyone out there yesterday I think. One guy passed us twice.

I didn't think this was an easy or a quick ride, as some say in the reviews. By the time we got back to the car, I didn't feel so good- headache, a little nauseous. Not sure if I drank too much water (almost the whole camelbak), not enough water, not enough food, or just too much sun and heat (we were in the sun at near 90 degrees all day). Does this ever happen to any of you?