Lise - no, just lay people I'm supposed to be the psych expert in the group. Hmm. And I'm holding you to that century commitment

Nanci - I did RAIN (ride across indiana) last year, that was 158 miles. There was the stretch between about 120 and 140 where I was like "WTF is wrong with me?" Then I felt really good from 140 til the end. I was officially hooked.

I agree that the 300 - 400 break is too short. I'm having some calendar issues with doing them. I might shake it up a bit to try to space them out. The problem is there aren't a whole lot of these things in the IL area. They're all out west, or on the east coast, or canada. I may try to do the 400 later in June. I do have a couple questions for you.

How well supported are these rides? RAIN had 4 SAG stops, that were about 40 miles apart. Or does it vary?

For nutrition, I use Cytomax powder for drinks and bring extra powder along in a baggie to refill as needed. I carry gu for bonking, and prefer clif or luna bars to eat. I have crohn's disease, so I actually have to be a bit careful about the foods I eat on the ride. At stops I eat bananas and pb sandwiches. If you have some tips for the longer rides, especially the 400, that'd be great.

I have a headlight and taillight that I need to install, but they're ready to go. I need to get some reflective strips to wear, and a bright reflective jacket. The one I have has 1 reflective strip on the back but it's probably not ideal. Do you have some gear you'd recommend? I always carry my alien and a spare tube, and I have a frame pump.

CA_in_NC - there's something oddly addictive about these rides. The feeling when you're done is so great.

Thanks!