Thanks girls, I appreciate your help.

Other question, Do you rest a day or two before you go on a long ride or do you just keep plugging away and practicing your distance. I know I am probably only going to be able to do the 26 mile ride, but the most I have ridden around here for the last few weeks is 12 miles at one time. Mostly I do a 10 miles route and then come home. I figured once school starts I will start pushing it more, but really want to try to do the 26 mile ride on this organized ride. I could do the 10 mile easy and wanted to try and challenge myself, but am I asking to much? Plus DH is going and he hasn't ridden in years either but thinks he can do the 26 if he paces himself. He rode with me last night and I had to laugh at him. He took off like a shot, got way ahead of me, I guess showing off, who knows (men)LOL. Anyway, by the time we turned around to come home, he was worn out and I got way ahead of him and had to slow down because it was getting dark and he had no light on his bike and I didn't want to leave him. I told my son when we got home that daddy took off trying to act like he was 15 and wore himself out. LOL
Anyway, so should we just do the 26 and take it slow and easy or just do the 10?