I don't know about you, but I have Yellow (jersey) Fever. I've always been fascinated by the tour, but never really paid that much attention. This season, I've been gearing up for a century ride (110 miles to be exact), and have tackled a few back-patting moments along the way.
I've climbed 6,283 vertical feet on a single ride (that's 5 feet below the summit of Mount Washington) and have hit 69 miles as my longest ride yet. Both of those would not have been feasible (or the least bit enjoyable) had I pushed myself to endure them earlier in the season.
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