Hi KatzPajamas,

In my experience, it wouldn't be menopause but more likely general exhaustion, stress and lack of time. Are you following a training plan and how long have you been at it? I've done some extended solo touring (started riding for earnest at age 60) and did my first metric centuries this year. I've been using Gale Bernhardt's book this year, for training.

Your ride's web site shows 44 and 20 mile route options. I didn't see a time limit to successfully finish, but it does say there is lunch at the end of the ride. So it might be looking at a 6- hour ride? How much climbing is there? It sounds like more fun to be successful at the 20, or maybe 44 if you have a productive next few weeks than to feel like a failure a the 60. Don't forget that most training guides say the week before the event should be a taper week.

I always try to do the hardest thing I have a shot at succeeding at while having some fun. Both parts count to me. Only other thing I'd add is to try to ride your own ride and not live up to someone else's goals.