Hi all,
I've only posted here a couple of times, but I wanted to say thanks for all the advice and knowledge you all share on this forum. I've been hanging around here about 2 years and have learned so much.
Just a few things I've gained from hanging out here:
Knowlege...
1. when purchasing a bike... ride as many as you can- I drove all over MD to find my perfect bike and I picked a Surly LHT. That was two years ago.
2. when purchasing a saddle... everybody is different- after doing ALOT of reading I followed the suggestions of some of you and purchased a brooks B17 from wallingford... against my LBS owners advice (I couldn't even ride 5 miles on the saddle he suggested)---- I LOVE MY BROOKS I never thought being on a bike could be so comfortable. For rides of less than 50 miles I don't even need bike shorts... Yay!
3. Artisan bread is SO easy to make...yum!
Inspiration...
1. to ride, even if you can't go far, even if you can't go fast, just ride.
2. to run, even if you can't go far, even if you can't go fast, just run. (I see many of you post in both forums)

So now I'm looking again for advice/suggestions, etc.
I first heard about RAGBRAI two years ago, someone mentioned it on this forum and I googled it... and thought it might be something I'd like to do, but probably never would. Well, it just so happens that I'm going with a friend.
It is the first time for both of us, we are using the Register truck for our baggage, and camping each night in a tent. I'm kind of nervous because this was sort of last minute and I haven't really trained like I should've for this ride, there are NO hills where I live. I know I should get into my granny gear and spin not grind, but I think I'm more nervous about going downhill, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I've been hanging around the RAGBRAI forums gaining lots of knowledge there, but wanted to see if there were any RAGBRAI veterans around here that might have some advice or words of wisdom.

This has also been a great excuse to get new riding gear. I've had 3 shipments from TE already!

Thanks again,
Carol