I definitely have felt that way, especially when I first started, and Makbike is right, you have every right to feel proud of your accomplishments!

I was thinking today as I slogged up the hills with my heart rate at max for much of my ride, that I'll bet those tdf guys don't have to work this hard (relatively, of course) for this long. (Well, ok, maybe they do but hey what's hard for them and what's hard for me are two different things...) That's why I'm always telling Erik to ride his mtb in the big gear if he wants to get as good a workout as I'm getting on my road bike.

Keep up the good work - I figure as long as we keep riding, we can't help but get better, and faster, and stronger, and more fit...