Hybrids and Distance

[mary9761]

I'm so psyched to read this thread. I'm in a similar situation, so maybe y'all can help.

I want to do a charity ride for the local zoo in early September. There's the "family ride," which is between 11 and 15 miles, which seems a little too easy. Even though I'm a new rider, I don't really know if I want to ride with a pack of elementary school students. But the next ride up is 40 miles. On my big, heavy Kona mountain bike, that seems insurmountable. I want a challenge, yes, but I also don't want to set my self up for failure (or to be stranded halfway through the course.)

I just found out about the ride and am trying to figure out if I can train to get ready for the 40 in time -- assuming my MTB is up for it. (Right now, I can do between 10-12 miles on the paved bike path no problem.)

What say you, ladies?

I had not been riding very long last year when I self supported and rode that zoo ride (ride pirate, but like I said self supported). I found the route when they entered the Speedway (didn't try to sneak in there I DO have some manners) I finished the 40 mile route on my Navigator with 26X1.95 tires. Make sure you take your time, train all you can and keep plenty hydrated and eat. pm me I live in INDY TOO! I kept hearing, I can't believe she's doing that ride and keeping up on that mountain bike..
Mary
(hoping to do at least the Meerkat Metric if not the century LEGAL this year)
PS: you might consider 26X1.5 inverted thread kevlar tires for street use. See Jimmy at the Bike Line

[KnottedYet]

I have Continental Country Ride tires on my Kona. They seem to be the perfect mix of "slick" and "sturdy" for the way I ride on the road.

For example: "Hey, Knot, there's some glass!" ooops, rode right through it "Hey, Knot, there's a pothole!" ooooops, rode right over it "Hey, Knot, there's the edge of the pavement!!" ooops, hit the gravel

I can do 20 or 30 miles without feeling at all like I did when riding knobbies, and without worrying about bashing the bejeebers out of road tires.

Edit: oops! Lois, I meant that the tires are faster and I go farther with less effort. More efficient.

[Kano]

What Knotted said ---

That DOES IT! I'm getting new tires, don't give a RIP what DH says about keeping the knobbies anymore!

On the other hand: I can not only sit down, but also stand up again(easily!) after yesterday's 30+ mile ride (that had invisible hills only my legs could find!) -- that's a good thing!

Karen in Boise