Need CAM 2008 advice

Hi. I’m new to this forum. CAM will be my first organized bike ride, and I’m trying to figure out which rides I should attempt. Up until last week, I was riding my hybrid casually (~100 miles/month, ave 12mph). I picked up my new road bike last Monday, and have put 93 miles on it so far getting ready for the ride, but only on flat bike trails.
The longest rides are out of the question for me, but I was wondering how hilly the rides in the 30 mile range would be. I am considering those rides at least two days, and would like to be on the flattest routes possible.
Also, I will mainly be riding alone because my vbf is a much more advanced cyclist than I am. So I was wondering how crowded the ride would be – would other cyclists be in sight the entire way, so that I don’t have to worry about safety or getting off course? Or would it possibly be very congested such that it might challenge my limited road & group biking skills? I'm starting to get a little nervous about doing my first ride on a bike I'm not used to yet...

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Originally Posted by Maybell

The longest rides are out of the question for me, but I was wondering how hilly the rides in the 30 mile range would be. I am considering those rides at least two days, and would like to be on the flattest routes possible.

So I was wondering how crowded the ride would be – would other cyclists be in sight the entire way, so that I don’t have to worry about safety or getting off course? Or would it possibly be very congested such that it might challenge my limited road & group biking skills?

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Relax, you'll do fine!

I haven't ridden the CAM routes before, but they say the longer the ride, the hillier. So you should be ok with the 30ish mile rides. After all, you have all day to do them! There will be hills, but if you've been riding your hybrid, you should do fine.

As far as other people always being in sight, I don't recall that there were always people around last year, but as long as you leave fairly early in the morning you're likely to see quite a few people. You won't be riding in a crowd, though, as people leave whenever they're ready after breakfast.

The routes are well marked and they provide cue sheets, so I don't think that will be a problem.

It would be fun to meet you. Zencentury and I will be there.

Thanks for the reply. I saw something in one of the other posts about the ride being hilly and it worried me a little. That’s true, I can take my time, and hopefully the hills on the long routes will slow my friend down enough that he doesn't finish before me. :o :)

That would be fun if we get a chance to meet. Coming from Ohio I'm sure I won't know anyone else there. Are you staying in the dorms? We’re staying in my friend’s RV, and I’m not sure how far away we'll be parked relative to the activities.

One more question, the website mentioned to bring a swimsuit in case you go to the beach or pool, but the event doesn't appear to be close to the beach. Any idea what they might be referring to?

The swimming would be at
Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park.

You'll probably see me. I haven't trained for this at all :o and I'll likely be doing the 30 mile courses.

If you see someone toodling along on a light blue Trek Pilot just holler "Zen!"
If it's me, I'll holler back.
If it's not me they'll just think you've found Nirvana :D

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Originally Posted by Maybell

One more question, the website mentioned to bring a swimsuit in case you go to the beach or pool, but the event doesn't appear to be close to the beach. Any idea what they might be referring to?

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My guess is that somebody didn't edit it out and it's leftover from last year's CAM, which was on the Eastern shore so the beach was accessible.

Well, the lake has a beach and I think theres indoor swimming at the college.

Thanks for the info. I figured there might be a lake nearby since they mentioned canoeing.

Zen - I’ll keep an eye out for you. My road bike is also a blue Trek, with black trim and what started out a week ago as a white seat and handlebars. My helmet is gray, and I will NOT be sporting my new clipless shoes and pedals for the safety of myself and others, including the small children who will be passing me by. (Funny how biking is starting to remind me of skiing…)

If you see me, give me a shout, though if I hear you call out Maybell, I’ll probably think you need rescued. (Reference my “Getting to know you” post). B rides a recumbent bike, so he’ll be easier to spot than me, though I doubt we will be riding together very much.

At least I’m starting to get a little excited along with the nervousness.