Prior to today, the most I've ridden since surgery was 25 miles, and that was tough.  Today's goal was 30 plus.  
 
Angie and I rode our bikes the 5 miles to the start of the weekly Flower Mound Social Ride.  Shortly after we arrived, Christine and Mark came rolling in on their Hurricane's.  People swarmed them to talk.  It was so cool.  There was approx 25 riders.
 
The highlight wasn't that I rode 40 miles today.  The highlight wasn't even seeing Angie continually ride at the front, or near the front all day.  The highlight was seeing Mark, as he is loosing weight and looking good, ride strong, and fast.  I kept a decent pace, trying to average ~18 on the flats, and climb as well as possible considering my achilles.  Well for the most part Mark, Christine and I were within 50 feet of one another, except for every hill.  I'd look in my mirror, and he would come blasting up every hill passing me, going at least 5mph faster than me.  Even though I tried to push hard and not let him catch me, he did, every time, and with ease.  
 
It's apparent that Mark has ambitious goals for 2009.  And if today is any indication of his desire, well.... you'll see for youself soon enough.   GREAT JOB CHRISTINE AND MARK.
 
p.s. Today is their 11th wedding anniversary.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHRISTINE AND MARK.  11 years, wow... You must have gotten married while you were in Junior High.

Best anniversary wishes, you two...  sounds like some good riding!
 
Something does tend to kick in for me on the hills, and as they say, the way to get better on hills is to climb hills...  but watch your knees, Mark -- I pushed too hard on the Spanish Fort climbs last month, and am just now not having IT band soreness since then...
 
Proud of Ray and Angie, too!!!!    Ray, are you to the point of being able to "weigh in" on the differences between the Ti V3 and the XStream?  Inquiring minds want to know....