Tomorrow's my first organized ride!!

[momtohanna]

This is it, this was the goal I set to help me stay motivated to get on the bike and push myself.

Tomorrow's my first organized ride. There's a 65 mile and 35 mile option. I'm planning on the 35 mile.

I've felt pretty prepared but now I'm getting nervous. I'm a little worried since I've been having these feet problems the last week or so, but I'm doing it!!

I'm really excited and would love a couple things:

1. stories of your first rides (no crash and burns please lol)

2. Information about how it works ~ like getting your packet, starting ~ what's in the packet? Do they call everyone and yell go or what??

3. Also what should I bring with me. It's only 35 miles and there's sag so do I need snacks etc? Should I bring 1 tube or 2?

AHhhh.... I'm really getting excited ~ just wish it wasn't quite so early But it will at least keep me in the cool part of the day since the weather report has changed since earlier in the week, now it's going to be hotter and windier than originally predicted.

thanks!!

[Reesha]

It's always safe to bring 2 tubes. I have heard horror stories about double flats from people and the only double flat I've ever had is because a mischievous student let the air out of my tires while my bike was parked at school.

My first real group ride was a century, but I did not prepare well and I was completely alone for the majority of it. Here my exercise in stupidity in bullet format:

• I did not stretch the night before or the morning of
• I decided in all my brilliance to drink the night before
• I did not eat real food prior to the event (it started too early and I was hungover)
• I did not pace myself-- I struggled to keep up with all the hammerheads for a while and then burned out

Back then I didn't really have anyone helping out with these things. Granted, it was my own decision to throw common sense out the window. It would have been nice if someone had been able to give me pointers before the century but they hadn't. All I knew is that I'd been on 75 mile rides before and hadn't done anything special to prepare and this would probably be the same. Ugh!

I have learned a great many thing since then!

Soooo... have something to eat that has carbs and protein about 4 hours before your ride. I am doing a 50 miler today, so I am having some steel cut oats with maple syrup, nuts and dried fruit.

Pack something to eat for the ride-- easily digested carbs. Bananas are great!

Stretch beforehand

Do not go out with friends the night before

Good luck!

[kermit]

Excellent advice above. I did my first century with my hammerhead husband. We started with a pack of about 40 riders and looked down doing 25 mph without hardly pedaling. That was the first hour and we wound up doing 62 miles because of the weather. Pace yourself or try to team up. Most groups will welcome you to join in with someone your pace. My ride was well supported and guys on mopeds were around if you flatted. Just eat plain, good food because as soon as you get up early so will your digestive system.
Your packet will probably contain some cool samples of goos and gels and your number. My club requires a number on the back and stickered number on the helmet (looks stupid). Four little safety pins will work. The start is a mass start and you will see the hammerheads go first, just take you time and pick a hole. Hope that helps, HAVE FUN!
Is there a BBQ or beer afterwards, thats the best part.

[momtohanna]

There is a bbq after ~ my mom will have my daughter there will they be able to come?

Also do I need to bring safety pins with me or will they provide those?

I'm getting really excited as the day goes on.

Jackie

[kermit]

Hopefully you will get four little pins in your packet if they have their stuff together, and yes your daughter will absolutely be welcome. You will love it, I'm doing one next month. Let us know how it goes. Oh, go to bed early!!!!!!!

[momtohanna]

Thanks for all your support ~ I'm really excited. I'll pop in tomorrow and let you know how it went. I'm sure there will be pictures and video lol.