today was pretty challenging. I've done several long distance rides before (this year: 3 full centuries, a metric century and a 420 mile trip to Santa Barbara)

But today included some SERIOUS climbing: 65 miles and 6000 feet of climbing. We were training for the Breast Cancer Fund's "Bike against the Odds" event.

The ride suddenly turned ugly when at mile 50 (after 5000 feet of climbing), we had 2 brutal miles of 13-17% grade. Ouch!