Quote Originally Posted by Jiffer View Post
By the way, when I switched to compact handlebars, which hubby got me for my birthday last year, it made a big difference in my ability to be in my drops. I could actually reach the brakes and shifters and feel more confident. I started using them all the time after that.
Good point. Early on I was planning to switch my handlebars to more compact ones as well, but at this point I don't think it'll be necessary, I'm pretty comfy in the drops right now with my current setup, and I can reach the brake levers easily.

It's really neat how it all seems to be falling into place for me, finally. MP can attest to the fact that just a few weeks ago I was seriously thinking of throwing in the towel on the whole Death Ride thing. She gave me a great pep talk and let me know it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't go for it this year, or if I scaled back on the training and only aimed for a few passes rather than all five.

That took a lot of pressure off me, and put me in a much better mindset. I had a couple of really fun rides after that, followed by a very successful very epic training ride. It really is mostly mental!

But good brake pads don't hurt either.