First group ride Sat. What do I need to know?

[jenniferh]

I typically ride about 10 mi in the late evening (I'm in TX) so I take 2 bottles of water and no food. I'm only out for a little less than an hour and it's been fine. I suspect Saturday's ride will take more like 2 hours depending on speed. What food should I bring? Will 2 bottles be enough? I don't have a camelbak yet, but my hubby has one and 2 additional bottles so I could always take one of his if I need to.

Oh, I should add that I normally ride at a cadence around 85 and avg about 18mph with the wind and about 16 against the wind. Do you think that is average for a new rider or should I expect to slow down?

[indysteel]

I typically ride about 10 mi in the late evening (I'm in TX) so I take 2 bottles of water and no food. I'm only out for a little less than an hour and it's been fine. I suspect Saturday's ride will take more like 2 hours depending on speed. What food should I bring? Will 2 bottles be enough? I don't have a camelbak yet, but my hubby has one and 2 additional bottles so I could always take one of his if I need to.

Oh, I should add that I normally ride at a cadence around 85 and avg about 18mph with the wind and about 16 against the wind. Do you think that is average for a new rider or should I expect to slow down?

Do you finish the two bottles on your 10-mile ride? If so, then I would assume you'll need more for 20 miles. Again, every group ride is different, but I wouldn't necessarily expect to stop on a ride of that length to get more water, but you might want to ask the ride organizer if they do. Otherwise, It sounds like you might have to stow another water bottle in a jersey pocket or use your husband's camelback.

I'd add that I'm not teh best person to give advice when it comes to water consumption. I'm sort of a camel in that I don't tend to drink a lot during rides. Two bottles would probably last me 35 miles. In this heat, that's not something I would advise.

As for food, you may or may not end up needing to eat (assuming you eat well before the ride), but I would bring something with you just in case, be it a banana, energy bar, a gel, or a handful of fig newtons. Whatever your preference. Again, I wouldn't necessarily expect to stop on a 20-mile ride, but perhaps this one will since it is geared to new riders. If you start feeling hungry or that your energy is starting to wane, be sure to eat.

For group rides that don't have a formal stop, I tend to bring something like Clif Blocs that I can shove in my mouth pretty easily at a stop sign. A lot of people like gels for just that reason, but I just can't stand the texture of them. I've gotten better over time at eating while riding, but it took some practice! I finally bought a top tube bag and that makes eating on a run a bit easier for me.

[indysteel]

I forgot to add that your average speeds are just fine for a new rider. Heck, they're just fine for a not-so-new rider. It sounds like you're doing great!

My guess--and this is just a guess--is that you'll go slower than that for this ride. Maybe a lot slower, but I say that from my own experience of helping out with some new rider shop rides.