real hot, real hilly, real ale

The weather has been hot and I knew we would be in for another one on Saturday for the Real ale ride. I slapped on my sunscreen and caravaned with KB and Nathan down to Blanco for the start. From the get go we were hit with hills as I suspected it being the hill country and all and the head wind pushed us this time as well. I felt pretty good other than the constant tiredness my legs feel, just a gentle reminder to listen to my body. I'm usually sluggish as I warm up and then feel good. I rode along with KB until they headed off at their turn for the fifty mile route and I continued on. "I thought I recognized that bike" I hear as my friend Jeff pulls up next to me. It was great to see a friendly face out on the route and we rode and met at the rest stops the rest of the way. I tackled all the hills with confidence and the heat wasn't too bad as their was a cool breeze. What bothered me the most was the bumpy road and the distress it caused me sitting on my bike. Weird thing is, and it usually does happen like this, I start to feel better after about 60 miles. I'm not sure if it was the road conditions, getting better, me getting used to the bumps, or just knowing I didn't have too much farther to go, but I'll take it. The scenery on the ride was gorgeous and we even had a rest stop at the bat cave near Luckenbach which was fun. Mostly it was just beautiful to take in the countryside at the leisurely pace of the bike. After the ride my Dad met up with me to go on a tour of the brewery and visit which was nice as well. I realized that, as much anxiety I get from my family being at events, I am really lucky they take such an interest in my life and am grateful for their support. And when I got back to my car there was a note from KB and Nathan saying great job on my ride. Well what can I say other than I could not do it without the support of my friends as well and I am definitely one lucky girl.