Nervous!

[loni0908k]

Ok, tomorrow will be the start of my very first group organized ride for the American Lung Association, and I'm nervous already! I'll be riding 50 miles for 3 days, and my bf will be riding as well. I'm just nervous, about riding with 300 other people, about eating enough, drinking enough, keeping up with everyone, and not crashing into the person in front of me (pretty much everything)! I've read the posts related to the rules of organized rides, and will keep them in mind (especially the one about getting food and then standing in line for the porta-potty - good one!) - anything else that I really should be told? And if not, then how about a little good energy sent my way! It's suppose to rain on Saturday and Sunday - hopefully it will wait till the afternoon/night, and I wont be affected.

[Veronica]

Number 1 rule - enjoy the ride!

V.

[bouncybouncy]

One thing to remember...every single last one of those 300+ riders have done "their first group/organized ride"! I can relate on a lower level...I will be getting a road bike any day now and will be joining a group soon :eek: Butterflies are forming just thinking about it!

Listen to your body and make sure you nourish yourself properly. You will have a blast! Many wellwishes for a smooth and safe ride :p

[nuthatch]

Connie and I are thinking good thoughts for you, Loni! I hope you can link up with some other women riders just in case BF's pace is too fast. I'm doing the dry weather dance for you!!! Be sure to give us your report when you've arrived!!! :D

[AutumnBreez]

Bring your rain gear! When you bring these things it seems to not happen then right?! :D .....

I send you love and kindness and energy in abundance!

Have a blast! I have never done it either, someday I will have my first and I bet if you are there, you would be of great comfort to this newby, just as someone will be there for you :)

[CorsairMac]

keeping you in my thoughts loni!! No matter what, like everyone said....have fun. As for the 300+ riders, after the initial start they'll all sort themselves out and you won't have crowds like that to deal with the whole ride.
My first organized ride I was soooooo afraid.....same thing...afraid I'd cut someone off and they'd fall or hit someones tire :eek:, or run into someone, but it wasn't that bad. Foot races were rougher to start than this! :rolleyes: I also had a buddy who sheltered me at the beginning, have you talked to your BF?...let him know you're nervous and to stay with you for the start? He should be able to shelter you some until everyone gets themselves sorted out.
Let us know how it went when you get back!!

[loni0908k]

Thank you all for your support! I feel better already, and I will definitely let you all know how it goes! I did talk to my bf and told him I was very nervous, and he's being really great about it, no matter what he's going to stick with me :). And I also went and had a 1/2 hour massage that did wonders! I'm still a bit nervous, but I'll just have to turn that into pure energy tomorrow! Can't wait!

[loni0908k]

The ALA ride was awesome! I had sooo much fun, we met some really awesome people, and I can't wait to sign up for next year! The first day I felt good, was pacing at about 18mph with my bf and two other guys (until the two other guys dropped behind) - then there was only two other people ahead of us (I know it was only a ride and not a race, but competition in just in my blood I guess), and then wouldn't you know it, I get a flat. So, we fixed that, and then the last ten miles were pretty brutally hilly (so I had to slow down a bit) but we made it. The second day started out with the biggest, steepest, and longest hill I have ever rode in my life, and it was TOUGH, with quite a few people walking up (but I made it the whole way - huffing and puffing). Then, at about 16 miles, I get another flat, we fix it, and it goes flat again, and then again (spokes poking my tire - a problem I've had before) after waiting 1 1/2 hours for the repair guy (I let my bf go ahead and I thought I could just pick up the ride with some other group since everyone was so friendly) I had to get a ride back to the hotel (major bummer). That night was rough, because I kind-of felt like I failed, but there was really nothing I could have done differently . . .
But, then Sunday was awesome! I was soo strong, and the whole ride felt great. We ended up doing an extra 8 miles because the Aids ride and our ride connected (and the signs looked exactly the same) so we ended up following that route for a while, but thank goodness Tony (BF) thought to check the directions, and we eventually found the right route. And, I was ok with the extra miles, it just let me make up a little from the day before - and no flats! Good bike, good bike!!
This ride has definitely worsened my addiction to riding, the people were awesome, the ride was great, and incredibly challenging, and I really "connected" with my bike (I've even forgiven him for the 3 flats on Saturday), and I feel more comfortable on it than ever before. Thanks for all the support!

[RoadRaven]

This ride has definitely worsened my addiction to riding, the people were awesome, the ride was great, and incredibly challenging, and I really "connected" with my bike (I've even forgiven him for the 3 flats on Saturday), and I feel more comfortable on it than ever before. Thanks for all the support!

Oh yes - I understand this... the more you do, the more you want!
;)

Great to hear it was such a success

[CorsairMac]

Congrats Loni! Sorry to hear about the flats but man, what a thrill to be riding up that nasty ol hill ya'll saw people walking up. Sounds like you had a blast and all your fears were assuaged! (sorry....just had to use that word! :p ) Well done hun!

[loni0908k]

One more thing (just to brag a little) ~ Not only did I make it up that hill but I passed 3 people riding up (two happened to be men!) Now that is a great feeling!!!

[nuthatch]

Loni, congratulations!!! I knew you would do it and have fun. I thought about you on Saturday when those big storms blew through. You'll have to give us all your topical tips on those long days in the saddle. How irritating to have so many flats - but 18 mph! You were flying! And up the big hill (which I assume was in Wisconsin :D ) passing the guys! Just terrific!!!