So today I really did set off to ride out to the West Hill Dam area. It's only ended up being 22 miles but it was the hardest 22 I've ever done. Hill after hill after hill. I just started riding in March and had to take 5 weeks off due to family medical issues so I think this was a pretty good accomplishment for me. I was so burned out at the end I could only manage 5mph on the hill back up to my house. Here are some pics:

The first is the beginning of the "hill from hell". It's only 2 miles into the ride and climbs for 2 miles. according to my GPS its' average grade is 22% with one portion at 31%. I needed 2 rest stops to make it.

The next two are as I had just finshed a long uphill grade and was looking ahead to the downhill coming up.

Hey, how come hills don't show in photos?

The next are down deep in the Upton State Forest.

The last was when the bike decided it needed a rest. OK, I lied, I needed the rest. You'll notice the tree cover was so dense the flash went off, kinda cool effect.