I'm glad you enjoyed my ride report -- I had a good time writing it, but I didn't think anyone would actually read the whole thing, as I do go on. And on.

BikeGoddess, I can't imagine the Death Ride feeling like a piece of cake to me. It was an extreme sufferfest for me this year, but I didn't help matters by using a different bike from the one I'd been training on. (Yes, I can be an idiot.) If I do the Death Ride next year, I hope to be able to do it faster and without so much suffering. But it still won't be a piece of cake.

Andtckrtoo -- Jo's right, you got my attention with the beer thing! Hope to meet up with you soon. I'm thirsty.

- Melissa