Are my eyes bigger than my stomach, so to speak?

[spotlightmama]

I am *very* new to cycling. I got on my bike for the first time in ages just about 2 weeks ago and just bought my first road bike this past week. I've been on about 5 rides total in two weeks.

In spite of my newness, I am already deep in love with cycling. I want to sign up for the Tour de Cure, which is 200k over two days - 62.5 miles each day. The ride is on May 31.

I went out for 20 miles yesterday and felt pretty good - like I maybe could have even doubled my ride. Would I be crazy to sign up for this ride? My first tri is on May 11, so I wouldn't be able to do really focused training until after that (although I am incorporating cycling into my current tri training, of course). How do you know when you're ready? Or do you just jump in?

[kelownagirl]

Well that would definitely be a tremendous challenge but only you know your capabilities. If you can do some longer rides between now and then and if you're young and fit and already have aerobic fitness (and don't mind feeling some pain during and after the ride), you can probably do it. Can you sign up at the last minute if you're feeling up to it? That's what I have done on a few occasions.

[kat_h]

If you start the ride and can't finish is there a bus that will pick you up? If there is then go for it.

[OakLeaf]

How long is the cycling portion of your tri? Can you sneak in one 35 or 40 mile ride without having too much effect on your tri training? If you can do that distance without being sore the next day, you should be fine on the tour.

How was the wind the day you did your 20 miles? Wind really beats me down, personally.

Anyway, welcome! It's fun when the addiction grabs you like that, isn't it?

[spotlightmama]

The cycling portion of my tri is only 9 miles, but I think I can get a long ride in this week. Maybe I will aim for 35 miles...

It was super windy last week when I did 22 miles on my old bike, which was just a Huffy-esque bike. Needless to say, I went very, very slow, lol. It was only kinda windy yesterday and it made a big difference to be able to get down low. My pace was significantly improved through using my new bike as well.

And yes - the addiction is something! It caught me off guard how much I love to ride, since I haven't been on a bike in a million years. Expensive, but nice!