You guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!! (I am 37 and I talk like my teenaged daughters! (15 & 13))

OK........I am ready to look at carbs in a new light now! I had often thought about eating pancakes (I love peanut butter on pancakes!) before riding. How many hours prior to riding do you eat something like that? I did go to the store and look at the fig bars and stuff today. I can eat the fruit kind (I love the strawberry and raspberry ones) during the ride and get the same amount of carbs as the fig ones. I bought some of the sobee bars today to try.........they're ok........not great, but ok. I think I have been off of sugar and chocolate for so long the thought of eating a lot of it makes me sick! I need something that isn't nearly as rich and sweet. The payday bar might be ok, but I think I would puke that back up! Weak stomach........it kills me!

I plan on racing and training for racing. The schedule Emily in NC laid out works for me. I will probably follow that one. I had thought to train with guys mostly, just figuring if I can learn to keep up with them, I can race girls more evenly. Does that make sense? I have always competed with guys........softball is my other sport and I love playing co-ed more than with girls. I am supposed to meet with a race team in the next week or so and get on a training schedule with their trainer. Should I approach it as a female or male racer?

While we're on the subject, what is a median speed to shoot for when racing? I think most of them are around 50 miles around here and kind of hilly. Most guys do it under or right around 2 hours. What about girls?

When I start out, in the first 500 miles, what speed and cadence am I trying to build up to on a 45-60 minute ride?

Kim in TN (anyone around Nashville/Murfreesboro/Cookeville?)