questions questions questions

[sookiesue]

If hubby wants you to do this ride, then hubby can certainly look after the kids 2-3 times a week so you can train!

You have 5 months, that's great. I started riding last year and had about 3 months to prepare for a 150-mile, 2-day event. With support from my husband so that I could get out and ride short rides 2-3 evenings a week and a long ride on the weekend, it was manageable. And I fell in love with the sport!

If the ride you are doing is a supported ride and they happen to have a massage therapist around for treatments in the evenings, I strongly recommend splurging on a 15-30 minute session each of the two days. I was stiffening up pretty quickly after my second day (84 miles) of riding, and after the massage session - she was specifically trained in sports massage - I felt immediate relief. The session itself was a little brutal, but she helped work out a lot of the acid that would have otherwise left me likely unable to move much the next day! If the ride doesn't have one as part of the support team, you could look into whether or not there is one who works locally wherever your ride stops for the first and second nights.

I was terrified of clipless pedals but my bike fitter recommended that I give them a try. He put me on Speedplay Frogs, which are kind of spendy but REALLY easy to use. I got them on 3 days before the ride and was able to use them pretty comfortably. I agree with what others have said about getting comfortable on your bike before worrying about clipless. I did all of my training without them and was fine, so if the thought of them stresses you out, just do what works best for you. They can't help you increase your efficiency if they make you too nervous to ride!

Is there a 'sag wagon' that goes along with this ride? If so, you could always plan on doing 60 miles a day instead of 90 and then take the wagon. That way you can participate with your husband but it might alleviate the pressure of doing the whole (huge!) ride.

Another TE gal recommended Selene Yeager's book "Every Woman's Guide to Cycling" to me when I was getting started, and I enjoyed reading that.

Best of luck to you! I hope this challenge leads you to a love of the sport!

[malkin]

If the big ride is an organized ride with a SAG wagon, there's no shame in getting a lift for part of the route.

If they haven't got a SAG wagon, you might volunteer to drive for them!

[newbie]

It does have a SAG!

I actually rode 36 miles on monday with an average speed of 15.5...pretty proud of myself. My legs were sore for maybe an hour and after that I felt great. No soreness, no cramps, nada.

I'm hoping to get in two shorter rides (15miles) each week with a longer one of the weekend. we shall see. I still haven't officially signed up for any events.