Did it!!! 65 miles - and felt pretty good afterwards. What a nice day (for Florida) - we started at 7:00 a.m., temperature about 81 degrees. There were 9 of us starting out. We did a 26 mile loop and arrived back at the park for water/food and to pick up some more riders. The second loop of 20 miles consisted of 15 riders through a beautiful neighborhood with large banyan trees shading the road. Back to the park for 'lunch' around 10:45.

The third loop, we had about 8 riders. I learned NOT to eat a peanut butter/jelly sandwich while doing a long ride. About 5 miles out, had to stop for a few minutes just to cool down and settle my stomach down. After reading these forums for the past several months, you'd think I would know not to eat something I'd never tried before during a ride. <sigh> Anyway, with much suffering, made the third loop of 10 miles.

On the last 10 mile loop, everyone else had dropped out except my niece and a friend - the temperature was in the 90's by then with a heat index of over 100. By then, my stomach was feeling MUCH better and that 10 miles was easy. We arrived back at the park with my sister awaiting us with flowers and a big smile.

What a fun thing to do! Can't say it was easy, but it wasn't nearly as hard as anticipated. And having all the folks riding with me - both virtual riders and actual riders was such a treat. THANK YOU to everyone who rode with us - I thought about you often and it helped to keep me going.

Below is a picture of the start, the finish, and the signing of the T-Shirt. I had everyone who rode with us sign my T-Shirt - and plan to add the names of all of you who rode.

Thanks again for all your encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you!!!
Lookinup