Training for Livestrong -- How?

[pooks]

So here I am, already thinking about doing the Livestrong 40 in Austin.

Gack!

Starting tomorrow I can ride again (after almost a week sidelined by the doc for un-bike-related issues).

My last couple of rides were just over 4 miles, so I have some work to do to make my way up to 40 miles by October, I guess.

Also, how do you find groups to ride in that are open to beginners/slowpokes?

How do you do group rides, anyway?

I need info and help, please!

Thanks!

Also, is 40 miles a ridiculous ride for newbies such as us?

And what's the approximate time it takes to do that kind of ride?

(You notice I'm not silly enough to go for 60 or 100!)