I know it's crazy but..

[LadyinWhite]

I'm doing the Tour de Cure tomorrow and I'm terrified. I get knots in my stomach every time I think about it. It's completely irrational. I've been practicing - I only signed up for the metric - I've even been riding the route already! (The Tour leaves from right near my house so I've been following the road markers lately on my rides.)

Here's the thing - I've never ridden in a group before. I am a member of a cycling club and I could ride w/ a group if I want - but I'm so uncomfortable with the idea that I've never done it.

I know there is no reason for me to be so nervous. I know that it's not a race, I have nothing to prove to anyone, everything will be fine etc etc etc.

DH's advice is "If it stops being fun, call me and I'll come get you. There is no reason to be out there on your bike weeping or miserable or in agony. If it stops being fun, just call."

I hate that I'm so nervous about it. I guess I'll continue being nervous until I'm there, on my bike and going.

I'll keep you posted.

[bmccasland]

LiW,
You'll do fine! It's a "ride" not a "race." Yes, there will be those that will turn it into their personal race, but unless you're a really fast rider, you won't see much of them. If you've riden in group rides, then you do have the experience you need. Stop at the rest stops, chat with folks, have fun!

[Over50Newbie]

Last year I did the Tour des Farmes ride, which was 45 miles. I had only had my road bike for a month, and had never ridden longer than 30 miles.

I was also terrified, and besides that, the weather was horrible - it rained the whole day.

When I started, I felt like I couldn't breathe and I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. I was crying on the bike, thinking... I will just quit at the first rest stop.

But at the first stop, I started talking to some people, and then went to a quiet corner, closed my eyes, and told myself, "This is crazy, just relax and have fun."

And that is what I did. I did the whole thing; I was the absolute last one to finish, but ended up having a blast.

So, take it from someone that has been in your shoes. Attitude is everything. Tell yourself over and over that you are going to have fun, and I bet you will.

Lynette

[Zen]

You are not alone.

We've all been there, and you have the support of DH.

And now it's time for an appearance by my inner Drill Sergeant:

You've got people expecting you to do this!
You said you'd do it and dammit you will!
You will be fine, you will surprise yourself, and you will have fun!
DO YOU UNDERSTAND, PRIVATE LADY?!!!!!!!

[Flybye]

Hey lady in white!
Me too !! I started cycling with my new bike in March. I signed up for a women's only ride in Utah, metric, and, as with your ride, it is tomorrow.
I am chicken!!!
Chickens unite!!!!!
Zen's inner sarg. is right - we can do this, we just have to get there and get it done!
I love the advice about having FUN - that is what got us into this in the first place FUN!!!! That is what we are going to do tomorrow, okay, you and me, have FUN!!
I haven't ever ridden in a group ride, either. Let's hope no one will know! Kidding - I plan on asking lots of questions.
I am sure we will both have some stories to tell one another on Sunday/Monday. Your post made my day. I look forward to hearing of your victory and sharing mine

[Veronica]

Hey, I get nervous before every big ride. Tomorrow I'm doing my 5th double. I was awake this morning at 3:30 thinking about what to pack.

If it's riding with others that has you worried, just remember to be predictable - no sudden swerving, stopping, etc. If you need to stop on the road, look behind you, holler "Stopping!" and then pull over to the side.

Think hard before you call your DH if you're not having fun. Rides aren't always 100% fun. You may be unhappy for 10 minutes, but then you find your groove and life is good again.

Enjoy your ride. Don't worry about being last. It's no big deal. Trust me on this one.

V.

[Jenn]

You are going to do GREAT!!! Just think of GOOD you are going to feel once you have accomplished the ride!! You are at least going to TRY and that is awesome!! Like Flybye said, we look forward to hearing of your VICTORY!!!

[mimitabby]

I am nervous too. I was talking to the only woman who ever did Cannonball,
a race across the state of Washington. She has done multiple Ramrods; she's done Multiple STP's, she's done all sorts of rides. SHE doesn't sleep well before a big ride either.
When she told me that, I instantly felt better. but i still lose sleep, have
intestinal difficulties, etc, etc.

[LadyinWhite]

You guys are awesome. I feel better all ready. I feel SO much better knowing it's not just me!!

I'll let you know how it all turns out
T.

[Nokomis]

No matter how prepared I am, I get the nervous tummy before charity rides. I couldn't even tell you what it is that increases the anxiety, but it goes away once I start riding.

Just be aware that if your stomach likes to go to mush, be careful what you eat & know where the toilets will be at the starting point.