LEVEL 1 COMPLETE

WOW! I've got some amazing teammates, and I am super thankful!

Today, Jim, Beth, Randall, Christina, Emily, and I met at the intersection of Hwy. 288 and Hwy 178 for what was promised to be a "hard" ride. There was some brief discussion that we could ride easy because Bird was unable to make the ride....i knew better than to fall into this trap. I was particularly excited that Beth and Jim came down to ride because I hadn't ridden with either teammate at length.

We started out with a brisk warmup and did a nice rotating line towards the base of Ceasar's Head. I asked Jim if he had a nickname, and he replied, "Mr. Wonderful", christening him this title for the rest of the day. We arrived at the base rather quickly. After a much needed bathroom break and Mr. Wonderful shouting he wanted to go to the girl's room instead, we ascended Ceasar's Head at our own paces. At one point, Brian from Carolina Tri drove up next to me and yelled "You better not let Randall beat you". As we climbed, I could see Randall moving up behind me at a steady pace. He eventually caught me, yes, caught me! on the one flat section about 2/3rds of the way up. I did ride away near the end, but he was pushing me the entire time.

This is what I learned today:

1. Randall is a climber, never believe him when he says that he is not. He is lying.
2. Beth is a maniac of a climber and can tell a great troubled youth story while she is climbing without missing a beat. At one point I looked at her near the end of the ride and said "Are you even tired?" Maybe it was the hot latte she drank at the gas station?
3. Christina is a constant encourager and will do anything for a promise of coffee (too bad that coffee shop was closed :( She has the ability to see things and make moves when most riders turn a blind eye. Action oriented.
4. Jim IS "Mr. Wonderful", patiently helping each of us with our bike maintenance issues and taking strong, very extended pulls at the front. There was even talk that he could fix my hernia while I rode? What?
5. Emily is unbelievably relentless. The epitome of headstrong, giving it everything she had the entire ride even as the push of the pace picked up. Proud of you!

I had to share today's ride with everyone because I felt today that I took my riding to the next level. Of course, I have completed many group climbing rides before, but not anything that compared to the intensity of today. The time between the climbs where I usually slow and regroup was spent in pacelines that were so well oiled and polished that I truly felt like Lance Armstrong. No joke. There was organization and a steady, united push as one unit towards our common goal. THIS is what a group ride should be! I never want to go back, I only want to advance.

You all bring out the best in me, and I am so thankful for each of you! I encourage everyone to take advantage of their teammates. I have to say, you are all wicked headstrong!

I am currently working on some personal limiters, namely having the confidence to move up in the peloton, to ride in the front 1/3rd, and handling skills, riding close and cornering. I ask each of you to provide only positive feedback and constructive criticism as I work in these areas. Baby steps.

Level 1 Complete, Level 2 ready.