Welcome, Breana!
You've already gotten lots of great advice and know what a supportive, fun forum we all have here, so I trust you'll learn lots and enjoy it all!

I'm a native New Yorker - grew up downstate, in Westchester county, and have lived out in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years now (raised my sons here).

I'm headed back next week though, for my 3rd Empire State AIDS ride...from Niagara Falls - lower Manhattan, beginning 8/10.
Any of you NY TE woman along the route? Check out the site (link is in my signature below) and let me know - would love to see any/all friendly faces along the way and I promise to respond-in-kind!

Tailwinds!
Mary