Welcome back to two wheels and welcome to the forums. I would have to say that 44 miles is not a normal first ride. My first ride back after about 15 years was only about 10 miles and I thought I was going to die. Your legs giving out after that distance is expected. I am not sure whether eating would have prevented that after such a long layoff, but the advice you were given earlier regarding eating was spot on.

We are at about 60F up here today.....andI am stuck indoors at work. We do not get to many November days like this up here and I am bummed that I am missing one.

Cheers,

Brian J.