My first Century is Saturday - Terrified with Questions ...

[Misandal]

gabriellesca, Good luck on your first century! I did my first with Team in Training, too - America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. I rode with my sister, who is a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease.

One thing you couldn't know until you do an event like this is how emotional it will be. Any TNT event I've done (and I've done 3) is different from the others, but they're always emotional. You'll see people lining the streets holding signs and ringing bells and cheering you as you go, you'll see other riders with pictures of loved ones on their jerseys, you'll see bald children who are obviously in treatment. That inspires so much, even when you hit a rough patch along the way, you'll find the strength to continue on.

And the finish! There will be a huge crowd at the finish and they'll cheer for you like you're the one they've been waiting for all day long. You will have an amazing day - but chill, it's just a bike ride.

[Smilie]

Have fun and good luck! You will be just fine! You GO Girl!

[gabriellesca]

Thanks NY - I've heard from a bunch of people how nervous they get before even our training rides so that helps me to not feel like such a nut-case. I also love that you cry - I'm a crier - its very annoying but I do it. I cried I was so happy after my 45 mile ride. And I know there will be crying before, during, and after this ride. A teammate said 'she'll be crying - we just won't know if they're happy or sad tears.' LOL! And its true.

Misandal - Thanks for the heads up - this is a very small ride - not at all like Lake Tahoe. Many of my teammates have done Lake Tahoe for the last few years and I've heard non-stop about it all season. They've also done Mad River and so they say that its MUCH different because we're the only Team in Training team riding. So not to expect the fan-fare, etc. and from what I've heard there actually isn't a finish line. LOL! But I know my team - they're an incredible bunch of people, and they'll be cheering me into every single stop, bathroom break, and the finish! They even cheered for me when I came in in the Sag one day. So I know they'll provide the motivation I need. My sister and brother-in-law are also coming up - they'll be a great cheering section.

Thanks guys ....... this really helps!

[amy]

Good luck! I can't wait to hear the details.

[alpinerabbit]

I'm a crier too.

You know, perhaps it helps to numb you a bit and make you go on.

[violette]

I did my first metric centery in July. I was so nervous going to the start position. But I noticed everyone was pretty relaxed and just doing it for the fun. A lot of them were a bit nervous because it was their first time, but within 10km, we were all smiling and having a blast.

There will be some better than you and some a lot slower than you. Just go at your own pace and enjoy the ride, I did!!!