My ride was... well, let's see. I couldn't make the group ride b/c dog had a vet apt., so I decided to ride the same route a little later in the morning. In an attempt to add mileage, I decided to ride out to the meeting site. (All unfamiliar terrain). The ride to Orinda was MISERABLE! The directions I had stunk, and I ended up PUSHING my bike quite a bit. Even that, I had to stop every 20 feet or so to catch my breath. Now, While I'm not in the best shape, the idea that I was pushing my bike up these hills was tough to take.It took almost 2 hours to go 14 miles. In cleats. Insane. Finally getting to the start of the route, I decided to tackle it. (Ego, ego). The next 33 miles were nice, but every grade brought me to tears at that point, as if the hill was put there, just to spite me. I made it back to Orinda, took transit home, where bf was kind enough to pick me up.
The good- At 47 miles, I'm getting my distance back up to where I would like it to be.
LESSON LEARNED- It's not all about the distance! I really did more than I should have, but I had my mind on the mileage, and not the overall ride.

In the End- 47 miles, 6 hours, and a bit of hiking. While it wasn't a joy ride, ya gotta admit, I kicked butt!