Do I need/ can I get: a flattering jersey & harder shoes...

[wolfak]

I was shocked at the expensive price of jerseys for my first ride. I started by going to Target to get workout apparel, basically an exercise shirt that was pseudo-wicking material. It's nice because I felt dry rather than sopping in a tee. I have jersey now, which I bought at the TE shop, but it's a Terry brand. I'm very happy with it, I do feel very comfortable and at ease in it, and I love the fit and function.

My preference is for a stiff shoe, but it is up to you. I started by changing from the plastic stock pedals on my bike to metal ones and had some gain in efficiency with the stiffer pedal. Then I added toe clips, and finally switched to clipless shoes and cleats. I had selected the hybrid pedal with standard platform on one side, SPD clip on the other because I knew I would be graduating.

[Zen]

I was shocked at the expensive price of jerseys for my first ride.

Which is why I recommended Price Point.

My preference is for a stiff shoe, but it is up to you.

Perhaps more important is the amount of grip the shoe/pedal combo has, which is why Knott mentioned the BMX pedals. They have a large comfy platform as well as little grippy pegs that bite into the sole of the shoe.

[mimitabby]

jerseys are expensive, but if you want flattering, some have black panels on the sides that really enhance the figure.
like this one:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=32560

[Trek420]

And don't forget the closeout, sale pages of TE. Great service too.

Whatever you do for shoes, just be sure you don't buy them only a few days before your big ride.

What she said. Don't make immense changes before a long ride. Ride with what you trained in. Ignore the inner voices and/or voices of others that say "you have to go clipless" "you have to get these new shoes or that new pedal" If you're riding in Converse All-Stars and doing fine, loving it ... wear them.

If you're comfy with what you train in, use it. There will be plenty of rides in the future to try other stuff and dial changes in. You do not have to change anything unless you want to or need to. And even that could be inadvisable this close to your long ride.