I know it's crazy but..

[Flybye]

Hey lady in white!
Me too !! I started cycling with my new bike in March. I signed up for a women's only ride in Utah, metric, and, as with your ride, it is tomorrow.
I am chicken!!!
Chickens unite!!!!!
Zen's inner sarg. is right - we can do this, we just have to get there and get it done!
I love the advice about having FUN - that is what got us into this in the first place FUN!!!! That is what we are going to do tomorrow, okay, you and me, have FUN!!
I haven't ever ridden in a group ride, either. Let's hope no one will know! Kidding - I plan on asking lots of questions.
I am sure we will both have some stories to tell one another on Sunday/Monday. Your post made my day. I look forward to hearing of your victory and sharing mine

[Veronica]

Hey, I get nervous before every big ride. Tomorrow I'm doing my 5th double. I was awake this morning at 3:30 thinking about what to pack.

If it's riding with others that has you worried, just remember to be predictable - no sudden swerving, stopping, etc. If you need to stop on the road, look behind you, holler "Stopping!" and then pull over to the side.

Think hard before you call your DH if you're not having fun. Rides aren't always 100% fun. You may be unhappy for 10 minutes, but then you find your groove and life is good again.

Enjoy your ride. Don't worry about being last. It's no big deal. Trust me on this one.

V.

[Jenn]

You are going to do GREAT!!! Just think of GOOD you are going to feel once you have accomplished the ride!! You are at least going to TRY and that is awesome!! Like Flybye said, we look forward to hearing of your VICTORY!!!

[mimitabby]

I am nervous too. I was talking to the only woman who ever did Cannonball,
a race across the state of Washington. She has done multiple Ramrods; she's done Multiple STP's, she's done all sorts of rides. SHE doesn't sleep well before a big ride either.
When she told me that, I instantly felt better. but i still lose sleep, have
intestinal difficulties, etc, etc.

[LadyinWhite]

You guys are awesome. I feel better all ready. I feel SO much better knowing it's not just me!!

I'll let you know how it all turns out
T.

[Nokomis]

No matter how prepared I am, I get the nervous tummy before charity rides. I couldn't even tell you what it is that increases the anxiety, but it goes away once I start riding.

Just be aware that if your stomach likes to go to mush, be careful what you eat & know where the toilets will be at the starting point.

[SouthernBelle]

I'm looking forward to some excellent ride reports after this weekend.

[chakra]

Years ago, I did the 50K Ride for Heart - I was terrified! But what I found was that all the guys in lycra who wanted to turn it into their own private race did so - my heart hammered (hey, at least the cause was right, LOL) as they tore past me yelling "your left!" every second or so - but then they were gone, and the rest of us could just enjoy going at our own pace, enjoy talking if we wished, loiter at the rest stops if we felt the need, and have us our own party!

I hope it turns out just like that for you! I felt horrid the 3 days before I rode, but after the first half hour (while the speedies were going by) I had a great time.

With luck, you'll get to meet other riders who go at the same pace as you, and maybe you'll even make some friends.

I'll keep you in mind while I'm stuck in class tomorrow (dang grad school never ends).

Chakra