I told you guys I was new, Ha Ha. I guess I used the wrong terminology. It really isn't a race, as in a Tour De France style, but a timed bike ride? I guess you could call it that. My main concern is riding in big groups, since I really don't have that kind of experience yet. I don't want to distract anyone else from their ride just because I'm not familiar with "rules". Geonz, thank you for your info. That gives me a great idea as to how close to ride to someone else as well as braking. Actually, that helps me quite a bit.

As for the ride itself, I think I am going to start off in Silver. I think your right Fredwina. Although I'm still not sure whether to ride the whole 100+ miles or ride on of the shorter lengths (80 or 66). My DH suggested I take it easy this year since I've only been riding for about 2 months but I really feel good riding the bike and I can already go long distances. I'm just a little bit !

As for my bike, does it really matter if it's a "starter" bike?