wasn't my first group ride.

As for the cat1/2/3 that doesn't mean they were riding at race speeds. If they were, I'd be dust after 1/2 mile.

The point is I took the advice I was given here and rode with a group that was well beyond my ability, and it didn't turn into a **** fest. Whether they were trying or not, I feel good about it. Thank you for trying to pop my little happy bubble from today.

We averaged probably about 18-19. There were points we were crusing 20-25, there were points we were cruising 16-17. there were places they were cruising 25+ and I was huffing and puffing at 16, there were times when they were climbing a hill at 15+ and I was working like hell to go 10. My only saving grace were the two long downhills that they coasted/cruised down and I gave every ounce of effort I had to catch back up. When I was with the group, I left it all there to take my turn once, and stay in the middle of the pack the rest of the time to keep my speed up.

All of that should be meaningless... I swallowed my fear and did it. Everyone told me to stop my hand wringing, so I did, now people are trying to raise the BS flag. No wonder I do so much hand wringing, I'm told that every god damn thing I do is wrong.

Can't.****ing.win.