Thinking hard about it and would really love you advice (and of course any encouragement, valid or otherwise). I think we are of similar ages (I just turned 56). Since you have an STP under your belt, I would be interested in your thoughts. Funny, last night I just re-read your report from last year!

My son and fiance are planning to ride. They think its a great way to get in shape for their wedding the following weekend! They really want parents to join in. My husband's up for it. I'm the weak link here. My longest ride off the bike path was a hilly metric century last summer. I did it, but was tired. Had a great time. Didn't train for it, just rode whenever I felt like it spring/summer. Didn't work out at the gym.

I had thought this would be my year to ride a century and then consider the STP for 2013.

We live near Centralia, so would just sleep in our own beds on Sat. All last summer I averaged 14 mph. Windy, tailwind, hilly (including the metric century) flat, push hard, go easy, you name it I'm a 14 mph girl. Since I moved to the compact dbl from my triple on the hybrid, I've found myself walking hills I used to be able to get up.

I've been hitting the gym pretty consistently since mid Oct., mostly strength training. Just finished my second spin class ever this evening. I'm hoping if I can strengthen my legs, I can get up the hills a bit better. I really need to improve my cardio capacity as well.

Oh, and I just signed up to climb the Columbia Tower (69 floors the tallest building in Seattle for you non NWers) in late March. Its a fundraiser for leukemia.

I would love to be able to earn that badge in Portland. I've always been so impressed with the STPers. We loved watching them when they came through the park in Tenino. But I'm your basic mom/wife in the bleachers. I'm learning to be an athlete, but I'm not naturally strong (mentally and phyically).

So, what kind of training would you recommend based on what I've told you. I've printed CBC's riding recommendations. Do you think I'm STP material?

Also, as we are not CBC members, do you think we need to join and sign up now? My son was asking me that earlier today.

So sorry for the long winded post! This is just really on my mind right now.

Thanks.