I thought I had prepared well. My husband had purchased the required helmet for me, and I’d wiped the cobwebs off my 45-pound, 30-year-old mountain bike to ensure I would be riding in style.

As for being fit enough, I had often pedaled the 25 miles from Clermont to Winter Garden and back. How much tougher could a mere 10 miles more be?

It is almost funny – and I stress the word almost – when I think back to the shock I felt when I saw the more than 1100 bikers who showed up for the challenge. Without any embellishment, I can assure you my bike was the only one of its kind there. I was even more shocked by the “mountains” on the course (with names like Sugarloaf, Buckhill, The Wall, Citrus Tower Hill and Hospital Hill).

It took me more than four hours to complete the course, and I had to dig deep to do it at all. I was one tired, proud puppy when I rolled over the finish line.

The ride changed my life. I was so impressed by the course and its hills, I had my husband Paul ride part of it with me a week later. It was fun to explore rural Florida, and biking seemed a stellar way to for us to get fit, particularly considering the old injuries we both have that rule out some other sports for us. For the holidays, we purchased racing bikes for each other, and we have enjoyed them ever since.

I’m aiming to complete the 70 mile ride at this year’s Horrible Hundred. Of course you’re invited. I’ll see you on Sugarloaf!

What: The Horrible Hundred 35, 70 or 100 mile Bike Ride, hosted by the Florida Freewheelers
Where: Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola in Clermont
When: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008