Everyone is different. Not recommending the way I jumped into it but it was doable for me. I was a 5 day a week gym rat getting bored with being inside. Saw a flyer for the local MS150 charity ride and said, "Hey I can do that!" Got out my Kmart front suspension Mongoose and off I went to train. Hmm, "I think I'll get me a new saddle for this thing!" The bike had sat, rusting in the garden shed for the last few years. Headed off to LBS. Owner of bike shop kind of looked at me in disbelief when I told him my goals. He did not however try and sell me a new bike. He said I could give it a go on the department store bike.

I think two weeks went by and I went back to the shop for something. Looking at the bikes I went into sticker shock. "Holy crap! Who would EVER spend $600 on a bike?" Little did I know, little did I know.... (the new bike I'm saving for is $4k!)

I was graduating with my degree and was supposed to pick out a saddle for horseback riding. Picked out a road bike instead. (never did get that saddle and that was in 2005.)

Did the MS150 and had a blast. Fast forward to now, less than 2 years since purchase of bike and have done countless centuries and more, a time trial, road races, and now have a MTB too. Oh and I now date the LBS's owners son!


"IF" you're in good enough shape, I would say go for it. It's plenty of time.

Jeni
disclaimer - if you don't have fun , don't blame me. It's just an opinion!