First ride in November turned out to be one of the hardest ones I've done this year.
Up until last night, there was only a long ride for the group, and while 37 miles I can do, I can't keep up with the group that does the longer rides. Then, later in the evening, someone volunteered to lead a shorter version. Of course, it included a dreaded climb. The whole ride was in my old neighborhood, where I used to live when I first moved back to MA, about 15 miles north of here. I did not ride when I lived there and man, I doubt I would have continued, as it is super hilly. The leader of this ride is someone who is good, but he was setting a fast pace. I wasn't back with sweep, but I was never in the front, either. However, it's a beautiful day, 61 degrees and breezy with sun. Yes, the sun did come out. I always feel crappy in the beginning of a ride and by the time that wore off, we were near the climb. However, I forgot about the climbs after the climb . There is a former pig farm on a road that runs parallel to my old street and it's a 12% grade to this spot. It's a CSA now, so I guess it's all upscale. The first day my kids rode the school bus (ages 5 and 8) they asked me if we had moved to Appalachia . So, it is rural and beautiful. But the climbing after the climbing almost killed me. Made it back to my car at Great Brook Farm and I was so tired and hungry, I did not go to the lunch, as it was going to be quicker to drive home and eat than wait at the place they were at.
Glad I did it, but a reminder that I need to get my azz in gear for next year. I am talking with my bootcamp instructor about a couple of months of personal training.
26 miles with 1350 ft of climbing.