I still can't feel my toes!

As part of my winter training plan, I joined the 7:00 a.m. "shop ride" this morning to tackle 38 miles in 27 degree weather.

The shop ride is led by Mike Stigers and is "billed" as a training ride for those who want pointers and tips about riding. My focus: hills. I need better attack strategies - I have strong legs but I don't always approach hills in the right manner. Many times, by the time I'm halfway up, I tend to give up or at least back off out of fear that I won't make it to the top with any energy left to spare. It's really not the hill I'm afraid of, it's what comes afterwards. The A riders climb the hills and continue at a respectable pace. I need to keep up.

On the ride, I was accompanied by the creme de la creme: Stigers, Max, Roby and Scott. Talk about feeling like a 5th wheel! As I struggled up the hills, they laughed (not at me), talked about pro racing, ribbed each other about their respective alma maters, etc. What was hard work for me was an easy ride for them.

I don't intend to give the impression that the ride was less than stellar - I loved it, I never felt left behind and for the most part - the guys were very supportive. Especially Stigers and Scott, but then they always are when I'm lucky enough to tag along.

I know that participating in these rides will take me to a new level and I know that I can't get to where I'm going without pushing myself to do more than I think I'm capable. I began cycling to gain fitness; my course has changed because I'm addicted. My confidence lacks and I know I need to focus on that point if I expect to move forward.

The tundra time trial was mentioned to me today and as anyone who knows me would expect, I was adamantly opposed. I know, as Scott put it, that it's a good beginner's time trial, but the thought scares the hell out of me. I'm going there - I'm just not sure I'm ready yet.