When I sagged a group in we followed the "new" banana for a while. I had to give a short history lesson of it's maker and aerodynamics.  And I get "but isn't it hard to ride in side winds"?

I'm totally buying this one from Pedal Pix: he caught me passing a DF rider who was walking up a particularly gnarly hill on the Bluebonnet Trail.  Muahahahaha.  
http://www.felixfotographer.com/p189238047/h2b8c684#h2b8c684
 
Thanks for the run-down on the bicycle stuff pics, Jay!

Quote from jayg on Apr 14^th, 2014, 2:07pm:

 
*Takes a bow*  To be fair, IMO this was not the hardest hill on the course, probably because it was so early on (around mile 16 right?).  That distinction goes to a hill around mile 48, I think on Smith Cemetery Rd. after a left turn where the road winds gradually uphill and then peaks quite sharply as you pass a lovely house with huge trees and a big front porch, advertising goats out front for sale.  For some reason I found that one to be particularly difficult and I actually contemplated hopping off and walking.  But I spun it out at about 3.5mph and made it through!  Woo!  Definitely would have been easier with different gearing though.  Sometimes I wish I were more of a gear-head so I didn't suffer so much on what really is not much of a hill in terms of nation-wide offerings, but still pretty steep for these parts...

Quote from jayg on Apr 14^th, 2014, 5:48pm:

 
Yes, that picture is from one of the first climbs, around mile 16, in the common 42/62 route.  I just thought it was funny to see that guy walking up when I didn't feel like it was the most challenging hill I encountered that day.  There were folks walking up the other hill I mentioned as well.  Just weird since we 'bents have the reputation for being poor climbers.
 
I never have cardio problems, only leg strength challenges up the steeper hills.  Long and steady is not as much of a problem for me but I can see how those concerned about cardio exertion would have issues.  I have found that I definitely exert myself more riding my upright Townie around the neighborhood or taking a jog than I do riding the 'bent.  Makes sense, the heart is pumping harder against gravity in an upright position.  
 
I really should upgrade my ride logging paraphernalia to include a cadence monitor and HRM along with a decent GPS computer, but that's not currently in the budget.  So I use a phone app instead!