I agree about the lighting of pic #1....our race started at 4:20 (or thereabouts), and so we had that lovely late afternoon/early evening light for most of the race. The second pic is shaded by the embankment to my right, so the lighting is sortof dull.

You can really tell how uncomfortable I was feeling in that one. I think some weight training might be in serious order this fall to help my overall leg strength. I didn't do any over the winter -- I used to when I was younger and riding. Time is an issue.

Mines road --- still willing & able! I've never been on that road/ride...what can you tell me about it?