Suddenly scared of first charity ride

[Owlie]

The only supported ride I've ever done had a "eh, whenever" start--you left when you felt like it, so take it with a grain of salt. If it is a mass start, then if it makes you more comfortable to start at the back, do it. However, I'd try to start somewhere that means you're with people who ride at a similar pace, so that you don't have to pass a bunch of people.

[marni]

remember that you are doing this for fun and a cause, not a race. Feel easy about starting at the tail of the tail end and find your pace. There will be other slow riders and you will find that since you aren't hammering down the road, you will have time to chat briefly with people as you ride past or with them. Do ask if you can ride along for a while if you find a group at your pace. Be honest about being a beginner and not too sure of things. You will find that most charity riders are just out there to have fun and lolly gag along. Stop at the Sag stops but keep your stops short. Remeber to warn other riders, thank the sag people or the police officers doing traffic duty. With the exception of the police, they are all volunteers and while the police do get paid they still deserve to be thanked on general principles. If someone makes you uncomfortable, slow down until they pull away. Start slow, find your pace, chat up strangers and enjoy your ride.

It will be fine.

[Catrin]

I generally ride solo, but when I do a charity or other group ride event I pretty much always start at the rear. That makes me feel more confident to not have so many people around me and the start is ALWAYS much slower than I expect. I don't stay there, as the group gets going and people start spreading out then I start passing (or not) as I choose. Do what makes you feel most comfortable as that will insure a safe and fun event

[azfiddle]

Good advice on staying away from the front of the pack. Do you have any opportunity to practice riding in a group?

How many riders will there be?

I rode El Tour de Tucson last year for the first time- over 5000 riders were on the long route. I started in the middle and a lot of folks passed me. It was not that long until a lot of folks were spread out and it was never a big unwieldy group after the first section.

[pll]

Organized rides are rarely group rides. People start at different times (of their choosing -- those doing a longer option tend to start earlier) and ride at their own pace. Hence, I would not have much angst over it. One key thing to remember is to ride predictably: keep your line and keep right, so faster riders can pass safely. Keeping your line is crucial during turns. Other than that, enjoy the ride. It is nice to have a route set up for you, with rest stops and probably sag support if a bike breaks down.