19.5 miles of nothing but climbing. 134 ft elevation per mile, on average. Example of the difference between `stamina' and `endurance.' Ever try to get a 'bent started from a dead stop on a 9% grade? A few times? Odd emotion after this ride: anger. As I got to the top of the climb my shoe unclipped from the pedal a few times. Given the grade of the climb I thought about just turning around and descend the 19 miles to my start location. But I was PISSED. Another mile and a half up at steep grade ... so close. Getting a recumbent going at such a steep grade is very, very technical. Fast enough to avoid wandering into truck traffic, firm enough to engage the second shoe with the cleat. I mean, who's lookin'? Me. I rolled down the hill about a hundred yards to a flatter section. Crossed the road to go up again. From a dead stop. Even if I had to climb that section again without unclipping I was determined to do it. Happened twice. Descending into a very stiff mid-afternoon south wind was a bike handling challenge. I just couldn't allow myself to NOT reach the top. Pissed. STILL pissed.