Power Shift

Most of us girls are new and maybe the boys have had to stop and wait for some of us to catch up on our rides thus far. But what some of you may have thought was an earthquake last night - was actually a power shift in our team.

For those of you who missed the ride last night (12 miles in the wind, no less), it was a sight to behold. Trudy's friend Ann (welcome Ann!) came to ride with us. I knew I was in trouble when she rode up to the meeting spot on her bike (reminiscent of Mitch Johnson - riding his way in from Chatham) while I was sitting in my car reading Good Housekeeping waiting for the rest of the group. I got out of the car to introduce myself and thinking - oh boy I'm in trouble - she probably knew I was thinking that because she laughed when I asked her how long she'd been biking - she said "A little over a year - the only reason I have all the gear is because of a trip Trudy and I went on..." - but the fact is - she didn't just look like a pro - she was! We went down Koke mill, crossed Monroe and headed around the curve and down the hill to Washington - no problem right? Didn't feel too bad considering it had been a week and a half since I'd been on the bike. Oh wait - that was downhill and the wind was at our backs. Time to grind it out and turn around. We were thinking we might loop back and maybe pick up Shannon - so we turned around. Grinding up the hill the distance between Ray, Ann and myself began to lengthen. But it did make me smile to see one of the girls half standing and pedaling up the hill and pass Ray. Yes, I said PASS Ray (sorry coach but it was a great moment). Yay Ann!! For the girls that weren't able to make it, let me illustrate the difference.

Here was me:


Here was Ann: