JoBob- This is such great news! And, as you say- descending is very much a part of the Death Ride. Glad to hear you had a "little talk" with the infamous MP- grandest of coaches around here!

My take on the drops- I have discovered that riding in the drops MOST of the time has given me more power, speed, and confidence. I had noticed a couple of people in our bike club (one who was a state champion a couple of years ago- Laurie Fenech) ride in the drops all the time. I figured they must be onto something so I started doing it this past year as well. One of my bike buddies (he also builds bikes) says that when you are in the drops you have MORE control and you are better balanced. Jobob's post confirms this once again for me.

I rode almost the entire Cinderella ride in the "drops" against a mean wind that wouldn't stop. At the end, I was tired, but not sore, PLUS I pulled others most of the time. Again, I felt more in control against the wind.

So, my advice- learn to ride in the drops. Bike fit is important here and, as JoBob and Veronica both say, flexibility helps as well. I do a lot of stretching as well as weight lifting which I know has made a big difference.