You've made the correct call. Being somewhat of a noob, I had no idea about the importance of maintaining a higher (normal) cadence. Yet another invaluable piece of the puzzle falls into place...

I will be spending more time in this forum than others because as I inspire to do longer rides (successfully I might add) there is alot of stuff I need to learn. Beyond the obvious (eat), and I've already admitted to being somewhat confounded by nutrition, the cadence bit, while seemingly counterintuitive initially to someone who doesn't know, makes sense. When the roads clear up this way (MN - 6-10" of snow on the way tonight - so they say) I am already planning this ride again but differently. I'll post back afterwards. Thanks.

ken