Quote Originally Posted by bakoblues View Post
I'm also chicken about riding in an event with my inexpensive bike, overweight, unmatching gear, and having no idea about the rules, but I'm going to suck that part up and just deal with it.
I was nervous about all that too, but I went and did a ride that raised money to support the trail that I ride on and had an awesome time. There were all sorts of people and all sorts of bikes. I did it again the next year, and will be doing it again in October. So far, it is the only one I have done - I usually don't have the money to pay the fees but as I use the trail so much I feel like it is the least I can do. I still don't have the proper biking clothing and I survive. I do have clothing that does wick so that helps. Pick a ride that has multiple levels though and just go for it. You will most likely be glad you did.