By my watch the ride from start to finish lasted 3 hrs 28 minutes. This includes a short 5-minute stop (when I made a wrong turn and lost the group), one long 15-20 minute stop (my cousin's chain bit the dust and he couldn't continue the ride - we stopped for a while to see if he could repair the bike but he couldn't), a rest stop at mile 19 (we drank cold water, I poured it over my head, had a half a pbj sammie) and a couple of 5 minute stops waiting for the drawbridges. Its not an accurate "ride" time so I can't really say what our average speed was. I know we rode harder than I'm used to and according to Maria our average was about 15-17mph. I rode w/ 4 other people, including my cousin and his wife (Maria), whom I've just started riding/training with. This was the farthest distance I've attempted in 2 years and riding w/ them would be challenging b/c they've all ridden faster and farther than I. I was mostly trailing behind them but was able to pull the group for about 20 minutes at a 15-16mph pace just after our rest stop. I still rode faster for longer than I ever have - with consistent & proper training I can only improve. Around mile 26 I really felt the "umph" leave my body and started to really trail behind the group. With only 4 miles to go I just strived to finish. It was a hard ride for me, but not as hard as when I finished 18 miles at this same event 2 years ago with 80+ LBS on my frame. I'll take it. I felt more spent after this ride than after my tri a few weeks ago. Was a good, good effort.

Train harder.

Drank water and ate a slice of pizza. Sat and rested. Wanted a massage but got tired of waiting for my turn.


Lack of experience/training for long distances.


It was good to participate with friends. There was good-natured ribbing and teasing going on among my group as I got to know them better. They have all been riding for much longer which makes it good for me to see where I will soon be. I was so happy to see my BT buddy Mimi after the race - she hardly looked like she'd just ridden 62 miles though - she looked so good! We chatted for a bit, she met Marcello (my bike), and I got a glimpse of her gorgeous Tri-bike - I love it when I get to see my BT friends and Mimi is such a special friend b/c she's seen me go thru my struggles from the beginning and is such a constant source of support and inspiration. I love ya Mimi-girl! While waiting for the massage I was feeling a little woozy - I was really tired... decided to skip the massage. Started to feel a little better after my meal settled and I drank some more water - I decided to just drive back home. I was desperate for a cool shower. It was really hot out there and I think I should've drank more water. Need to get a second cage for my bike and maybe even a third cage. All lessons you learn from each new event you do. And I'm so proud of myself. I'm just feeling so good. It was great to be out there... w/ new friends... enjoying life.