My friend J stumbled across info on the Aids Lifecycle ride about a month ago. He asked if I was interested and I told him no way. I wasn't prepared physically or financially for something like that the first week of June. He has since decided to do it. He's created a blog and started collecting the money. AND, looking to purchase a bike. Yesterday, I told him that I thought this was an unreasonable goal and he should pick something closer to home and with more reasonable mileage. He hasn't even ridden a bike and he's planning to cross the country and ride 575 miles in 7 days. I see this all the time and I believe inexperienced riders put themselves and others at risk when they set out on these types of adventures unprepared. Another friend bought a bike a few weeks before the MS 150 in order to do it. Overtired and undertrained, he did crash and take a few others down with him. Last night J's mom took my indoor cycling class. Btw, J tried about a month ago and was unable to complete a class. J's mom said they watched an infomercial about the ride and it was very encouraging for people who were not experienced. Basically, I'm the only naysayer. I personally believe J sets unattainable goals and focuses on the excitement rather than addressing the fact that he needs to start a basic fitness program. Friends and family cheer him on and he's just putting on the pounds and not really accomplishing anything except a distraction from the real issue. I'm now the bad guy for not supporting him.