THANK YOU and a couple of questions

[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

[Grog]

Gloves: they make a difference. But one between "happy" and "miserable", probably not. But do get them if you intend to be riding any more after that 35-miler (which I do not doubt you will!!).

Chamois butt'r: I use it only when I ride many days in a row, especially rides on very hot days when I'm so sweaty my chamois just can't take all the humidity out. That's the only time when it gets necessary. That being said, I don't use chamois butt'r but "zincofax", which is the Canadian name of the stuff you put on the butt cheeks of babies to avoid diaper rash. Works wonders on big babies, too, available everywhere, not so expensive.

[Pedal Wench]

If you find you need something, I've used A&D ointment - diaper rash creme - instead of Chamois Butt'r, and I had a pro racer girl recommend Eucerin Calming Creme. But, I don't use them on short rides.

One thing - build up slowly. If you build up slowly, you can fix problems with fit and equipment.

Good luck - I'm another one who never thought I would enjoy a sport as much as I do.

[bikerchick68]

hiya notsporty! I missed jumping in on the first post ya did, but wanted to welcome you too! Your name describes me to a tee as well... until I took up cycling... never thought I would be able to call myself an athlete... my first ride was 10 miles and I was pretty sure that death was imminent immediately afterward! LOL...

35 miles is VERY do-able for you as everyone said... looking forward to hearing about your progress!

[notsportygirl]

So, where is this "Getting to know you" thread? I tried searching for it, but nothing came up (I'm new to the forum thing, too...so it might be somewhere obvious).