Spring bike training

For the first time since 2000 we returned to West Texas for spring bike training, riding some 400mi over eight days of near-perfect weather--a first in my experience out there in Big Bend country. I was elated to find I could still climb all the routes I've done in the past (despite aging and surgery), including the "Big Hill" shown here; it covers one mile of 15% grade, topping out at 17% with the Rio Grande and Chinati Mountains in the background. Flying back on my 71st birthday I felt ready for the season...