I've enjoyed reading the posts and have learned a little bit tonight, good stuff guys.

Apesrunner, what helped me in the motivational dynamic was loading up the Strava app on my lowly iPhone 3GS. I can know race my friends on our nearby hills. That alone helped me in ooomph when the top of the hill was just a tad further than I'd otherwise want to go....and try to do it faster next time. When you make a top 10 you will think you deserve a new shirt

And wind? Ugh. But I have learned to use that as an advantage as well.

I am 5'10, weigh 173 and ride the Raleigh (sig listed) on long rides and the Trek for hills and 20-30milers.