Have fun.

Eat, but don't overeat; hydrate, but don't overhydrate. If you need to stop because you are overheating, that's okay. Don't try to keep up with the showboaters who are pushing a fast pace in the beginning.

If you need to sag out, that's okay. If you just need an extra stop on the side of the road to keep on going, that's okay, too.

I like my zephyr jacket with zip off sleeves and a pair of knee warmers, that way I can adjust to the temperature around me.

And yes, have fun. (I reminded myself of this on Saturday when a family of bees decided to fly around me on a hot ascent. I wasn't having fun, so I stopped, turned around and enjoyed the decent and changed my route).