Another little blow to the ego, followed by new hope

www.mapmyride.com data for "Spirit-crushing Ride"

So I was just on www.mapmyride.com putting in the route for the "hilly" ride that nearly brings me to tears (or, sometimes, actually brings me to tears).  Turns out that 3 mile spirit-crushing climb in the middle of it is only rated a "Cat 5".  Otherwise known as "The least difficult of all the categorized climbs."

Well that is unfortunate.

I have been whining like a little baby over the least difficult of all the categorized climbs.

Slightly more encouraging is the knowledge that (according to the same elevation data) there are actually 2 climbs of nearly equal length and intensity on that ride.  So 6 total miles of constant climbing.  So by the time I hit the middle of the second stretch of climbing, it's no wonder I am near a melt down!

But the best news of all is this: The above-mentioned route actually has about 300 ft. more climbing than the Ironman AZ bike route!  So once I am past the February 9th ride (featuring "rolling hills and some long, gradual ascents") where I will be trying to keep up with my dad, my training may actually become easier!