This past Saturday was a beautiful day!! Not even terribly windy, which is unusual for this time of year. The Ups and Downs Ride was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable. I loved it!! Distance options were something like 21 - 33- 53- 60 miles. I opted for the 60. Got started at about 8:30 a.m. It was still quite cool; I was glad for my two layers on top, knickers instead of shorts, and wool socks. Started on a downhill, and my teeth were chattering! Well, we quickly got into an uphill and that was the end of being cold. I was riding alone, as all of my riding pals were busy that day. It was nice - could set my own pace, didn't have to push to keep up with anyone or slow down and wait. Registration was 7-9 a.m. so people started out whenever they wished. I didn't see a whole lot of riders on the road. Roads were quiet with sweet rollers and some steeper climbs. When I got to the first tough climb, I could see people walking their bikes. Took my time and tried to spin up the hill and it wasn't too bad. Felt good to get one steep one under my legs! Anyway, to make a long story short, I was riding along, feeling happy being on the bike and, I guess, not paying as close attention as I should to the directions........ Duh! I missed a turn. Went left and shoulda gone right. Didn't figure it out till many miles later.
Fortunately, they were gorgeous miles, around Apple Canyon Lake. A lovely area, all ups and downs and amazing views. (Forgot to take camera. )
Finally realized I'd made a mistake somewhere! Got out a map and was able to make a loop back to the first rest stop where I got back on the route, re-rode the miles to where I'd goofed and made the RIGHT turn! Yay! I was back on track but waaaay behind everyone. Made it to the next rest stop and there were a few riders there and a little food left. Had a nice chat and got some options for cutting my route short, if I wanted, as I'd already done quite a few extra miles. Kept going and saw more and more riders. It was such a nice day! By now, I'd shed a layer and was thinking of taking off the arm warmers, too. So I just went ahead and continued to ride, did the optional 20 mile loop on the 60-mile route. Stopped for a rest at the last rest stop and then headed in. I was thinking I'd end up with around 70 miles. And you know, when you sorta have your mind set that you are going THIS far, when you get that far and you still aren't done, it's not a good thing!! My legs were tired, my mental energy gauge was low, and I had 10 more miles to go. And some major climbs! (At least they seemed that way by then.) Fortunately, there were other riders out there. I rode with various people. Plus had a good talk with myself on how silly it was to let my mind convince my body it was done when it wasn't, as evidenced by the fact that I was still moving and not actually that bad off. Eventually, my outlook improved. I enjoyed the final miles. But was I glad to be done!!! Ended up with 80 miles. So a good ride for the day. I want to take some fellow riders back there and do it again. This time, with a camera along. I LOVE my bike. I LOVE to ride. Days like this only reinforce that feeling.

annie