unreasonable goals

[Geonz]

I'll do that Trek.
There seems to be the idea that I am just berating my friend over his goal. I told him my concerns and then said I would support him. When he finds a bike that interest him, I help him with questions to ask and things to consider. I don't just give him negative information. I've directed him to used bikes locally. I do try to be a realist. Today he said he would have 300 to buy a bike after plane fare and such. I told him he needed to consider the other essentials he would need. He hadn't considered buying other things. I'm making a list of things that are absolutely necessary and things that would be nice to have. I have no intention of trying to talk him out of this. He's intent on doing it. I'll give him as much information as I can to help him develop confidence on the road.
I recently told someone who had only ran 10 miles that they would not finish a marathon, at least not running. Well, he had a faster time than me. I'm conservative. I believe in being prepared for an event. I guess my natural ability is such that it alone won't carry me through. I have to work at it.
s

It sounds to me like you're concerned about not only whether this goal is reasonable or not, but whether it's part of a fundamentally unhealthy thought and habit pattern. He can channel his concerns about fitness, etc. on this "venture" - without actually *doing* anything. I'm sure there's a clinical term for it... and if it's a typical pattern ... I can understand not wanting to join in the rah-rahs. (If it's not, then I'd still be honest and hope he learned from it. If it *is,* I'd be trying to scheme ways to set up his trains of thought so that somehow the real thing might teach him something - but is he likely to find a way to back out of it at the last minute?)

When he talks about it, I would focus on replies that invovle opportunities for exercise right now ... or show him web sites about riding in groups that way you're being supportive, but supportive of more important things than A Long Ride.