Don't let flat fool you! I started riding there and the big thing I notice the difference between there and here in the mountains is: here I get to "rest" on the downhills...in S Florida you are pedaling the whole time!!!

Also, is this on A1A? I felt like the cross-wind acted as a head wind regardless of which way you are going!

Now, don't let what I said get you discouraged!!! 5 weeks is a long time to work up to a metric (the 62 miler) do as rabbit says and get a loooong ride in each weekend! Drink plenty...then drink more! Emergen-C has a great new water additive with electrolytes...I hear nuun is good too! Start now playing with electrolytes and food...see what works best for you.

sunscreen
sunscreen
sunscreen

Take advantage of the rest stops...especially if it is hot! I used to wear a long sleeve white (thin wicking material) shirt...it kept me cooler! check these out:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=20747

worth every penny on sunny days!

In the beginning of my life as a cyclist organized rides was a great way for hubby and I to go our own pace and yet ride "together" sort-of-speak! He could ride ahead but had the peace of mind knowing I was "looked" after! (SAG vehicles, other riders, volunteers!) Let him ride his own ride and you find people your pace and make new friends! I loved it that way...

Set a goal each weekend...you say you have ridden 11.6 so far...do 18-20 this weekend...26-30 next weekend...36-40 the next...if you don't quite do the mileage one day then get out there the next and finish!

Take it slow...rest...find shade and stop for a sip of water...the FL heat can be brutal so pay attention to your body and don't exhaust! I used to ride along and then the last mile or so I would push so hard it hurt...that way I knew I was getting a good workout but if I bonked I was near the car or home!!! That may not work for everyone but it did for me!

With all that said...go...have fun...smile...enjoy...and count your blessings you are able to do such a wonderful ride!!!!

side note***I did a full century (my first ever in the mountains) last year for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes) it was amazing how I made it through by thinking how easy this one day of my life was compared to what my little cousin goes through daily...sometimes doing things for others makes your body do amazing things!!! link to my ride that day:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauriea...7601984603747/

ok...sorry so long! I seemed to be long winded lately