I don't know about you ladies, but this ride might make a man out of me!

At devotion our host pastor included "God, thank you for this cool weather, and refreshing breeze." I almost interrupted, for I feared...

It was 80 miles in constant 25 mph headwinds over rolling hills that took over 9 hours elapsed time, over 7 hours moving. We were spread all along that cow-path, and often I was out of sight of any other riders. That is when the birds laughed. They'd chatter from the telegraph line (it wasn't much more than a pair of wires on sticks), and as I'd go up 12% grade into the wind they'd fly down onto the road, and then proceed to out-run me. They weren't mockingbirds, but I felt mocked as I pedaled at 3 mph with them looking over their shoulders leaving me behind.

At 30 miles after riding with Dianne I wanted to quit. At 50 miles I would have started crying but Leah had caught up with me and was pulling as I drafted. Eventually Alice brought me to the finish. Yeah, I'm all out of shape, and I had the women save me. I must admit I pulled some too so to salvage a shred of ego, but without their help I'm afraid I'd have been picked up to take he ride of shame. Not that it's shameful to know your limits, but I'd rather not concede defeat. I didn't want to admit it, but came clean once others stated what I was thinking: This was the hardest ride of my life.

So humbled by assistance from my sisters, I really must give praise for their tenacity. We have a very strong group of riders this year. Sure, there are some fast guys, but in my mind a woman riding these distances is just so much more impressive regardless of speed. Guys do stupid stuff all the time, so it doesn't impress me, but when women do the same stuff it just seems much more accomplished. Furthermore, it seems they see more for not keeping a tight high speed peloton. When I was younger and in better condition (um, last year at this time) I'd ride with the front and we'd get in early, but the testosterone driven traverse left little room for sightseeing. It was only after "sweeping" (keeping last place to insure all riders were accounted for and attended to) did I learn from the women a more casual pace offered greater enjoyment, thoughtful reflection in the moment, and relaxation from competition.

So I'm a year older and ill-prepared for this, questioning my manhood. I think a testosterone replacement might be in order. On second thought maybe I should ask for estrogen. These ladies are onto something that works pretty well. Kudos to you all, and I'm honored, humbled, and impressed to be in your company.