1st Training Ride - 34km

A little pre-ride post. Woke up feeling not very rested but still excited for the ride ahead. Leftover takeout Ethiopian for breakfast, not many house options. Not where I'd like to be, still need hydration pack and to change my tires. I will be more prepared next week. Need shot of coffee to be good to go. I'll write when I return this afternoon.
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To check out our route today: http://bikerally.org/trainingmaps2007/34k_FinchMcCowan.pdf

I was feeling anxious about the 1st ride, not knowing anyone, wondering if I could keep up with all those folks in spandex. I was definitely near the back of the pack but felt very satisfied and comfortable with the distance we rode today. I definitely need to change for the road-style tires and hook up my bike computer so I can get a more accurate sense of my progress.

That hill on Cummer, they weren't lying! I made it all the way up but in the absolute last gear I had left. Would have been quicker had I walked up but I was determined. I did really well with most of the straighaways, the hill stuff needs some practice. Lots of quad strengthening.

Stats:
34km - 2hrs = 17km/hr (roughly)

*I biked an additional 13km that afternoon including that monstrous hill past York Mills heading downtown on Yonge Street. Not for the faint at quad.*

All in all I am exhausted but really excited for next Saturday and building up to Montreal.

PS: R, I put your b-day present to really good use last night

adding attachments to my frame. Thanks again :-)