First 30 Mile Event Ride-What I Need to Know

[Velocivixen]

Thanks all. I have an acquaintance who rode the 100 mile loop. He said he was surprised/horrified by the hills in the 30 mile section (end of his ride) and especially the headwinds. He said there were very few riders who completed the 100 ride, maybe 12-20 at most and they all came in around the same time regardless of age or fitness. The course marshalls pulled off a few "skinny lycra clad young chicks" because they were wearing just tops and shorts and suffering from pretty severe hypothermia. Others quit at the turnoff (those on the 68 or 100 mile loop) at around 50 miles. He's a seasoned rider with 85K miles under his belt and he said this was no picnic.
So I guess now I feel just a tiny bit "hard core".

[radacrider]

Thanks all. I have an acquaintance who rode the 100 mile loop. He said he was surprised/horrified by the hills in the 30 mile section (end of his ride) and especially the headwinds. He said there were very few riders who completed the 100 ride, maybe 12-20 at most and they all came in around the same time regardless of age or fitness. The course marshalls pulled off a few "skinny lycra clad young chicks" because they were wearing just tops and shorts and suffering from pretty severe hypothermia. Others quit at the turnoff (those on the 68 or 100 mile loop) at around 50 miles. He's a seasoned rider with 85K miles under his belt and he said this was no picnic.
So I guess now I feel just a tiny bit "hard core".

Awesome ... and you totally should!