Ok. I have so many thoughts. First of all, I spent all week mentally preparing for this ride and planning the safest/most direct route to the meet up. And then it all went out the window when I decided to join the Eden Park crew instead of the Salway crew. I made a new route from my house. Didn’t use it because I was scared to ride down Ridge. Went down Montgomery instead. Hit the first hill and I was already hurting. I considered turning back around and just driving to Eden Park. Then I passed this guy walking down the hill and he said, “Just breathe, you got it.” Then a Metro bus passed me and the driver opened the door, gave me a thumbs up, and said good job! Got into Dana and passed a group of BGR ladies. Another energy boost.
Loooooong story short: I had the time of my life. My confidence rose SO much and I met the sweetest people! I just had to get over the mental block of riding on the road by myself.