Hi all,

I just found this board yesterday and now have a feeling I'll be here a lot.

So, I just finished the big event I'd motivated and at times willed myself to do last weekend. Quick recap: I went from never having cycled at all back in April to completing a long distance fundraising ride (2 day ride @ approx 80 miles/day).

Now that it is over I have questions... like:
-how long should I rest/recover in terms of riding? A week? Several weeks?
I did ride twice this week, one 15 mile flat and one 12 mile mixed flat and gentle hills. Legs felt pretty tired M-W, but are starting to feel more normal as the week goes on. But I definitely don't want to be stressing if I am still recovering.

-When I do resume, what should my long ride(s) be? 1/2 of what I did? more?

-Where can I learn how to improve my technique and abilities now that I have the basics down?

-Do any of you cross train? Is this helpful?

and last of all,
-What should my next goal be? I am thinking a century now?

Basically any pointers or insight would be very helpful. I want to have something to look forward to and push toward, but I am not sure what this should be right now.