Got in a nice ride today with the warm weather. Planned on doing about 100km on my own, but about 45 mins into the ride a couple of roadie friends caught up to me and I ended up riding with them. They are pretty good riders, much better shape than me, and it showed on the big climg of the day. I was working a little too hard on a 4km section right before the climb so when we hit it I was out of gas. Now this is a climb I use a lot in the summer as it is about as long and sustained as I can find in my area. Lasts about 7-10 mins depending on how fast you ride. Under 7 mins is my record, about 7.5 mins is the avg but today was about 10 mins. I was just beat. Once to the top luckily my two friends waited for me and we started to head back. It was nice because we had a tail wind and were doing about 35-40km/h most of the way. On the last stretch the strongest rider practiced his sprint lead out.....I was able to hold on....avg'd about 55km/h on that stretch. So today was a good indicator of my fitness. Not too bad at holding speed, but lots of work needed on the climbing. Probably losing 20lbs would be the best answer. Ended up only doing 75km but got an excellent workout riding with people who are faster than me. Sometimes that really is the only answer....when riding by yourself it is good for endurance, but rarely does one push themselves as hard as they really could go.

Got a bet going with my wife on who will be the "biggest loser"....like the TV show. We each have our goals and whoever comes closest by April 23 gets to go on a spending spree. My goal is 167lbs. Could be a little difficult....got down to 173lbs a couple of years ago, but this could be tough, especially so early in the season. I have a 2 week training camp scheduled for early April so that will help. The big factor will be how much riding I get done it March and how my diet works. I wonder what I would buy?