THANK YOU and a couple of questions

[Geonz]

And mainly... don't let your attitude keep you down.

I, too, sometimes look back and know I would never have believed (and nobody with any sense would have either) that the nerd who was the old 'last one picked' soul who *still* ducks when the ball comes would end up averaging 16+mph for 200 km. on a cycle.
It didn't happen overnight... and since I was used to having my own agendas for physical activities (I just function better with exercise) and made a career of keeping swim team coaches honest (you mean you *really* don't make cuts? You *really* just want people who try hard? Yes, my times are *that* slow... now, if they had races on kickboards...) I was used to taking a long time and lots of practice to learn things and being at the back of the pack.
Okay, so you might not have the hidden strenghts... so don't try the 127 miles. 35, though, is totally attainable, and the technology is awesome on the new bikes. Plus, you won't be doing it in front of BF. Do it for YOUR reasons.

I don't do chammy butter either... a bike that fits and comfy shorts are fine for me (if it's only 35 miles I don't need padded shorts). But get a bike that fits, that YOU like to ride... I'm still not clipless-pedalled (too cheap; have toe clips, though) and ride an upright with small tires 'cause it's what feels good under my butt, and my butt's what I have to answer to :-)

[Geonz]

Oh, and I read *every* book on cycling before ever I shopped for abike... talk about research to death :-)
Based on the research I got no kickstand, but went back three days later 'cause my lifestyle said otherwise (well, also the weight of the bike; I don't need one on the aluminum one).

[Adventure Girl]

I, too, sometimes look back and know I would never have believed (and nobody with any sense would have either) that the nerd who was the old 'last one picked' soul who *still* ducks when the ball comes would end up averaging 16+mph for 200 km. on a cycle.

Me, too! Me, too! It's a good thing that Geonz and I didn't go to school together. Because there would have been *2* "last ones picked"!! Sometimes it even surprises me that I ride... can ride... do ride...

Back on topic... Will you be miserable without gloves for 35 miles? It depends. I would be. The "crook" between my thumb and index finger is sometimes the most sore part of my body after long rides. But your mileage may differ. Everyone is different. Same with chamois butt'r. Some like it. Some don't. Some use it. Some don't.

My suggestion is to get out there and ride before the event. What's the longest ride you've done? How many miles? How many hours? How much climbing does the course have? Are you comfortable doing that much climbing? Do a few trial runs of similar distance and exertion. Be informed and be prepared.

And most of all... Have a good time!

[notsportygirl]

I have no idea what kind of hills will be on the 35 mile route of the NYC Century. Does anyone know? I've only been doing short rides so far...a few 8 mile rides a week. I'm picking up my friend's bike tonight that I'm borrowing longterm (I've been riding my one-speed, vintage Schwinn so far), and I just ordered my padded bike shorts, so I'll be ready for a long ride this week-end, hopefully. I was thinking of riding to Coney Island and back (for anyone out there who lives in NY).

[slinkedog]

Notsporty... I do Chamois Butt'r and I do Assos chamois creme. I like the Assos best (and of course it's the more expensive) because it seems to have more "staying power" than the other stuff. I've tried Vaseline, but it didn't wash out well. The only thing about the Assos is that it tingles when you put it on, but after a minute or two in the saddle I don't notice it anymore. I mainly put it on the place where my legs meet my rear because i get friction there from pedaling. I also put it on the girly bits.

[KSH]

For 35 miles... get some gloves that are padded on the palm... so when you lean on your hand you get some *support*.

Padded shorts are a must.

Otherwise, start getting your miles up. I know that on a Saturday... I typically ride 40 miles... and with the rest stops... it isn't bad at all.

But, you need to start riding further than 8 miles each time... and you can do it! Remember, you can stop and rest if you get tired!

[Wendy]

Notsporty, the NYC Century is not very hilly. The big bridges can have long, low-grade hills, but it really isn't bad. If you go on the 5-Boro ride in May, there's a very long hill at the Verrazano bridge (at the end of the ride, of course), but you don't have to worry about that until next year.

[notsportygirl]

Wendy,

Can you recommend any moderate length rides where the traffic isn't too dangerous. I have one of those cycling maps, but I've read that a lot of the recommended routes are not so "recommended" in real life. I'm trying to up my mileage, but since I'm new, would like a kind of no-brainer route while I get my endurance up. I'm coming from Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Any ideas?

Miranda