Sitting here with a big grin happy for you... as I remember the story about this riding gf pal before. Yeah!

OK... question and thoughts....

1) which Easton wheels are these the gf got, just curious
2) mechanical issues in ways forced you to ride a negative split... which sounds like your buddies did not... and bit them in the azz later... glad you saved their day
3) nope, gf... you most certainly DO NOT SUCK!

Great story. Thanks for sharing!