Not a distance ride today - just a short 20 miler with a group from a LBS. No "options", everyone rode the same route to the same place... The Rock Store and the mega hill climb up from there through Malibu Canyon. Once we got to The Rock Store, trust me, had there been a group heading back I would've joined them but after a short break everyone took off up the mountain... and so did I.

As bad as the climb was on the way up (and for me it was tough... someone said it was 2mi @ 8% but I haven't a clue) it was just as bad on the descent. I'm a big ol wussy-wuss fraidy-cat on descents! I feel like I can't brake hard enough if I stay on the hoods and my forearms cramp pretty badly. So I opted for riding in the drops where at least I felt better control of the brakes. One of the ladies told me I should have the LBS put wedges in for me so I could brake and pedal at the same time which would increase my stability and boost my confidence. Guess I have some research to do