The only thing I have to add is to start out at a pace you know you can keep and finish with. At group starts, there's an incredible amount of energy and adrenalin flowing, and sometimes riders who are new at it are lured into the mistake of jumping into the ride with everything they've got. Of course, they then quickly run out of steam and suffer and struggle through the rest of the ride. *waving hand in the air* I confess I did this at my first metric century. I was able to catch myself after just a few minutes and back it down a few notches to a more comfy pace. Then I hooked up with another woman who was doing about my pace, and we rode the whole ride together, chatting and enjoying each other's company the whole way.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to push yourself a little--that's how we build up our strength and speed. But don't hurt yourself, esp. at the beginning of the ride.

And most important of all--Have Fun!