Ready for Usury Pass Loop? Not sure

I hate running.  My daughter, an accomplished cross country runner (#1 on HS team), loves it and would kick my behind if i dared race her.  But I have never liked running.  Even when I wasn't a fatty, I did not enjoy it.  It was not my thing.  Now that I am older and have the aches and pains of a middle aged man, running is painful.  A while back i bought some pretty nice running shoes and wanted to start jogging/running to get into better shape, but wnen I went out with my wife on my first jog, I immediately felt a good amount of pain in my knee that i have had trouble with for years, and realized that this might not be good for me, at least while I am carrying this extra weight.

I do, however, love cycling.  Even though I have not had a bike in more than 20 years, I always enjoyed riding one.  I grew up in a time where my friends and I rode our bike everywhere.  I served an LDS mission and rode a touring bicycle for most of that.  I had wanted to get a road bike for years and years, but never made it a real priority.  But recenlty I purchased one, and have been riding to get in better shape and hopefully to help me lose weight as well.  

I have a very good friend who is a disabled athlete (former US Paralympian) who also recently got a hand cycle and we have been going riding together.  We have done several 14 mile rides around our neighborhood.  I also have been riding on my own a few times a week (12-15 miles is my usual ride).  We are preparing to ride in the 40 mile version of El Tour De Tuscon on November 20.  Tomorrow, we have decided to tackle the Usury Pass loop that many cyclists ride.  It has a solid 3 mile climb, followed by 5 mile downhill ride and the loop is just over 18 miles.  I am sure it will wipe me out. 

The one thing I am learning though, is that exercise, in addition to diet is crucial to keeping control of my blood sugar.  When I do a ride, my blood sugar tends to balance me out some.  I will be posting my levels soon. 

Hopefully tomorrows ride won't kill me!