mental block!?

[mtkitchn]

Last November I joined RUSA but have yet to do a brevet or permanent. I think I just committed to riding one (permanent) on the 21st of October, but I'm scared to death. I have done maybe four rides over 100 miles, and no rides longer than 30 miles since mid July, when I rode Triple Bypass (my longest ride ever, and since then I've been a complete slacker). I have this voice in the back of my head telling me that there's NO WAY I can ever finish a 200km ride, that I'm going to croak, etc, etc. How can I get past this mental block and just do it? Really, the worst that can happen is that I feel like crap, quit, and have my husband pick me up, right? (discounting a crash or something that could happen on ANY ride)

Help!

[SadieKate]

How about having a nice Cab or some bubbly waiting for you? ;)

Which permanent? Much climbing? Anyone riding with you?

[mtkitchn]

JulieB will be riding that day and has talked me into it. I think she's doing the Legends, Superstitions and Ruins route out of Mesa, which has only about 3800' of climbing. I don't know how to find a map of the ride, or do you get that when you sign up to do it with the route owner?

I'm liking the carrot at the end of the ride idea! Will ride for wine! Thank goodness there are no wineries enroute like in Yountville, or I'd be in a ditch after 20 miles. :D
But that might be more fun that 124 miles in the saddle.