My first group ride.

[Jiffer]

What a great first group ride! It can be a lot of fun riding with a group. You find yourself going faster sometimes for two reasons: #1, the draft obviously helps - #2, it's easier to push your limits when you're with a group that might be a little faster than you to inspire you. I, too, was elated to see 27mph on my Garmin recently as I hung on for dear life on a group ride recently. What an adrenaline rush! Sadly, I am NOT a great climber, so that's where I get dropped by almost everyone. But since they regroup at the top of the bigger climbs, I can descend with them, which I'm good at, and try to hang on as best I can on the short climbs or catch up after. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't, but it's great motivation to push myself.

I'm usually one of the few women on group rides, too. It's a great feeling to keep up with the boys. Yesterday, my girlfriend and I did a beach ride, a 44 mile ride on a river trail to the beach and back, mostly flat. Twice we dropped a guy we had hooked up with and took turns drafting with for a while. We LOVED it!!!

Glad you had a great first experience. Good for you!

[szsz]

Happy awesome story, and, I am impressed!! Thanks for sharing this!