Yes! Finally enjoyed a ride!

[alleyoop]

I have not tried the RR rides... though one time I did intend to and chickened out when I got there, rode alone instead. I had heard that they have a more guy-ish ride (go as fast as possible, stop as little as possible) feel to them.

The RLAG rides are different, very supportive of new riders. You will have NO PROBLEMS at a Walnut RLAG ride. Really. Seriously. Trust me. There are plenty of girls that are new, have fears. The ride leaders stop and talk you through all the technical sections. It is easy-peasy compared to what you have been working on with your hubby.

The HoL wasn't as hard as people made it out to be. Or maybe it is, but I just allowed myself to walk and didn't beat myself up about it. The riding in the middle is kick-*** though, so it is definately worth it to go down and back up.

I will hand off the email to DH... hopefully the weather will hold and they can do Thumper soon.

Hang in! -Heather

[Aggie_Ama]

Heather- Thanks for telling me about the ride. I had fun, the group leaders were wonderful. I think I am not quite ready for primetime on the group riding. Our little pack of 7 was too much for me but I still am glad I came. I will likely come next week.

I felt like a total dope not being able to climb some basic hills. And then the unspectacular crash in front of about 10 guys at the top Powerline hill, well that was just embarrassing. And the bruises are just UGLY. Icing on the cake is 9/10 I do not have to put a foot down on that climb at all. Nothing broken, no confidence lost. I will be back out soon.

I was pretty fatigued and the group dynamics are something new. When we were strung out it was good, in a close pack it was a bit unnerving. After the winter I should be screaming along for RLAG!

[Miranda]

It is really nice when you get something to click... I feel the same way. On the pedals, I have the double sided Shimanos M505, but not single release spds cleats. I think those (singles) are the 51s. I think mine are 55s or 56s. These are multi-release. Meaning you can pull you foot any direction (other than straight up) to release. That, in combination with soft set tension, I think helps. Just a cheaper alternative to try before going to a whole new pedal system. I think they sell the multi-releases here on TE. I have them on my Keen commuter sandles as well.

EDIT: Yep, still sold here on TE atm... here's a link to the product (note the pic on the package of the foot releasing in angular directions, vs just horizontally)

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSN_SH56.html