Thanks for the salve to my wounded dignity, everyone!

For now, I think I should use the third ring to get up the hill on the BIKE when the only option I have left is my FEET. But I am going to do hill repeats on my solo rides and get better. I am, I am, I am.

The ride leader is not a bad man at all- but he's been riding for probably 40+ years and is a very powerful rider. I think it's great that he does all these rides for rank beginners, his other advice has been sound - and he's been very supportive of my effort. But sometimes what's really needed is advice from those with similar body mechanics. There are other other newbies on the club rides, but they are much lighter and, though I don't think about it much, much younger, too.

It is kind of a yin-yang thing - simultaneously being the weakest rider and at my personal best at the same time.