I did it - my first metric. Apparently they used the new math - since the ride was 67 rather than 61 miles. Those last five miles were really hard - it was closing in on noon and I really felt the heat. Though I drank a lot - I still think I could've used more fluids.

The climbs were killer. The first grade 4 miles with an average grde of only 5% had a 1/2 mile 12% and at it's steepest a 16% grade. Well ladies - I must admit without shame - I walked the steepest part. This was my third organized ride and the first time I had to walk. I was only 25 miles into the ride and before the first rest stop - my legs were wobbly - and I was spent. I'm so glad I took those few steps! It made the difference between finishing the day or sagging in.

There were some scary descents. Though, I was much more confident and changed my mantra to feather...feather...feather. The lucky part was there was very little traffic at that time of day. I learned the true meaning of centrifugal force.

I'm home now waiting for DH to call. He did the monster climb up to 13000'. I hope he's OK - cell phones don't seem to work very well in the mountains.

Again - thanks for all the encouragement. My girls are proud and I survived!