I've ridden nearly 300 miles so far in July but really haven't posted. Started the month in California on our vacation, and had a chance to ride in the Santa Cruz Mountains for one last steep hill before driving home to Arizona, on the Soquel road up to Summit Road and toward Loma Prieta (we didn't finish the climb- not enough time or energy and it was getting hot).

After getting back to Arizona, I've done quite a few 20-ish mile rides for commuting (5 times in two weeks!) or after work on "training" rides (following instructions for intervals etc, from my coach). Other than the that, the only longer rides have been 30 miles taking the long route in to work via Pistol Hill and Colossal Cave Road last Sunday, and this morning's ride).

The ride today was 42 miles with my women's group, and as usual, I am usually at the back of the group once we start any climbing. The intervals don't seem to be helping that much, at least so far. As soon as I start trying to go faster on hills, my quads hurt. It's like I have a built in upper limit Maybe it will get better.

But the route was good, it wasn't too hot, and part of the time someone stayed back and rode with me so I didn't feel totally left out, and we ended up at a coffee shop that sponsors us.