Hey, Easterbird, if I walk on my front door and holler, you just might hear me! I'm in downtown Applebachsville (for those who don't know - no stoplights, no post office, no stores, no nothing, and we love it that way!)

I'm doing rides with the Lehigh Wheelmen, and you don't have to be a member to ride. www.lehighwheelman.org I've now done 3 rides with the leader named Rob who does a lot of stuff for beginners.

I just got back from a 30 mile towpath ride, Allentown to Easton and back. Rough riding, so I took the hybrid. I'm very fatigued, but pleased with myself. I was almost getting dropped at the end and I was clearly the weakest rider - but my first 15 miles were really strong, and I've never done this rougher terrain before. And this is my new personal best already. Rob tells me the next road ride will feel like cake. I really need to work on my hill skills, though. And keep lightening the load.

I really love the feeling of riding past a large woman on foot who makes this face. I hope I can help plant a little seed from which will grow another rider who will astonish her own self.