Yes, it was my first real experience with rolling hills. My usual route is pretty flat with a couple of hills, but not the kind of hills that come 'one right after another.' Thanks for the compliment. I handled them as best I could... I'd say it was mostly a common-sense thing. Why not use gravity to my advantage as much as possible?

Good luck with the surgery, oceanrider! And, I wish you a speedy recovery! Bummer that you missed your 30 miler. You'll find another good ride when you're 'back in the saddle again.'

BTW, I went for a 14 mile ride tonight. Every little bit of saddle time will help toward my 50 miler, right? I found out that this particular ride has 3 rest stops which would put them around the 16-17 mile marks, I would figure. I'll just try to think of it as 3 of my 'usual' rides in a row. Hehe! I hope the hills aren't too bad... Less than 2 weeks to go (and I'm going camping/canoeing this weekend -- so that's 2 less days I have to prepare. Ack.) ...I think I can... I think I can... *takes a deep breath* Am I nuts? No, wait... don't answer that!