True, but I've never ridden with these girls before and I don't want our first ride together to be one of those "OMG, she is so slow, we'll never finish the race!" I just hope they will see that I am a work in progress!

The double is Sept. 9, almost six months away. It's pretty hilly, and I agree with the strength/weight ratio thing.

Endurance is not as much of a problem. I can definitely out-endure these girls right now... I've had training rides last summer of 10+ hours in the saddle, and I just rode the Zion century in 7 hours and change two weeks ago. It's just a matter of getting my weight down so my average speed goes up.

MaillotP, your physique sounds perfect! I am in kick-a$$ shape at 150, size 8-10, but that's 35 pounds away and sounds so far... I also just finally got my thyroid adjusted correctly (crossing fingers) this winter, so that should help.

I'll be biking to work as soon as the snow melts a bit and it gets above 20 degrees. I've biked twice this winter at 5 degrees, and it's a bit nipply.

I _may_ try the Weight Watchers thing. I just HATE the sound of the word "diet" and the "let go and let God" attitude of OA (never been, just generalizing). I tend to use the phrase "training program."

"nope, no dessert for me, I'm on a training program."

Semantics, I know. Thanks for the support!