I did it! My first group ride/ride event. I am so excited that I made it...thanks for all the suggestions. We did Amity, Oregon to Pacific City, Oregon...55 miles, fairly flat. I did it in 3 hr 21 mins riding time, average speed of 16.5mph. Thank you so much for all your suggestions! I worked on spinning and tried to watch other women and learn as much as I could.

Now I want to do a century! I only have until Sept for Cycle Oregon (the first day is elevation gain of almost 3,000 ft over 70-some miles and every other day is 70-some miles) and it's been raining cats, dogs and pigs here!

I'm still riding with my boyfriend and will try to ride w/two of his friends (they also did Reach the Beach)..but really...those of you who ride w/guys will get this...I mostly just get to see their rear-ends as they take off at the start and periodic road intersections (where they have to wait for me....)

But I'm LOVING the downhill!!! I'm up to 41.7mph top speed, usually do in the mid-30's on the down. So much fun and I can whiz past guys sometimes because my bike seems to be aerodynamic. If only I didn't have to do the hills to get TO the top to ride back down *groan*

Thanks again to everyone! I'll be looking for more "help" as I get myself ready for a century.