#20 Milestone?

Is there something particular about the number 20?  I believe that physically there is.  I would not have thought that but having regularly gone out on rides in the 12-15 mile range and now and again 17-18 miles range there is something particularly different crossing a 20 mile ride.  Maybe not for others, and certainly by biking standards 20 is not a very big number.  Many avid cyclists don't really consider they've gone on a ride unless it's at least that number.  There are a great number of people who regularly cycle 25-30-40 or more miles.  The 100 mile mark century is usually reserved for something special but many who cycle do a few of those per season or once per month.

I am not that kind of accomplished and mentally and physically I noticed a difference in a ride of just a tad over 20 miles yesterday.  I often come home thinking I could have gone farther and full of energy.  Yesterday I was tired after my ride.  Not dragging my behind around or stiff or sore, just worn.  I felt it in my muscles, legs, arms and body.  I didn't hurt but I knew I worked my body and my mind to get to those miles.  The route was rolling hills and gravel roads.  20 miles of hills with 2 significant climbs is a bit more difficult than a flat rail trail of same mileage.

Thursday I was on a quest to pile up some miles and traveled the Huron Valley Rail Trail  from Downtown South Lyon to the spur that leads to Kensington.  I felt strong and decided to go for it even though it was a bit later in the day and I knew that a difficult climb waited.  I'd be lucky to come in just before dark.  I climbed that monster going out to Kensington and then coming back.  Going out is westbound and that face is mighty steep, according to MapMyRide it's a catagory 5 climb.  The decent in that direction is nearly two miles.  The east bound coming back face is  conversley a two mile grind uphill with a very swift and scary decent.  I managed them both with some effort then powered it up on the flat ride back.  That was 18 miles and I didn't feel near as spent, I returned home with energy to spare.  Maybe 20 is a mythical number to cross in my head, but whatever it is, it is now crossed.  On to 25......?