so happy I found this forum!

[teigyr]

Welcome

You will learn and you are working toward a wonderful goal.

I did the Calif Aids Ride back in 2001. I just kind of jumped in and figured I'd figure out what to do after I signed up. It worked out perfectly.

Oh yeah, tons of bikes and pedals. You'll fall the requisite amount of once and then life will go on. It's not that bad. Perhaps the lightest bike won't be the best (honestly, I rode my best on this hybrid-type mtn bike) and the most important thing is you will have fun.

You will have a great time on the adventure of riding! I found that the AIDS ride groups are very supportive and will help in both the ride and in training. I also learned that the more I pushed myself, the stronger I was. Day 2 was sucky but Day 3 and onward I felt better and better.

What will your degree be in?

[AmbitiousGirl]

Thank you all for the kind words! I realize that I'm going to need all the support I can get as I do this!

CA...I'm glad to find another person in Durham! I'm in school at UNC in the school of public health, but we live in SW Durham (off 55/54). I've been riding on the American Tobacco Trail, but need to start braving the streets. Route advice would be great!

Grayson...I know what you mean about money! Fund raising aside, I am quickly realizing how much of an investment this will be. But it feels good to spending money on something that is good for me.

[Bike Goddess]

AG- Keep up the good work, and work on your diet as well. As you increase your mileage, you'll probably find that certain foods are more appealing than others. Eat healthy and eat small amounts often!

I started riding in 2003 and by 2004 had lost 25lbs. I've lost another 5lbs since then. How did I do it? I trained hard, easy, and often!

Congrats on your graduate work as well.

ALC- 2005 with TREK and gang!