Quote Originally Posted by mariacycle View Post
I guess I'm petrified of embarrassing myself by not being able to keep up or getting tired and wanting to stop or even something stupid like getting a flat...
Okay. You need to get over that. Life is for living.

The PPTC and Oxen Hill folks are really nice. Do you have to be prepared? Of course you do, just like anything else. You should be able to ride the posted pace. If you cannot ride 50 miles at 20mph, then don't sign up for the A-paced ride! That's a no-brainer. Go on the D-pace ride. Meet some people. Enjoy yourself. Keep at it. Cycling is all about consistency.

Learn how to fix a flat. Take a class and PRACTICE so that you are comfortable fixing flats. It is not rocket science, but it does take some practice, like anything else.

Take a Confident Cyclist class from the League of American Bicyclists. You will surely learn alot in a supportive environment.

Go out and ride and discover and have a good time.

But for heaven's sake, don't just sit there wishing! Do something about it. You are the master of your own destiny.