First of all, I'm thrilled to have found this forum -- I've decided to do the SF to LA AIDS Life Cycle in June. Haven't been on a bike since the 80s (literally) and have been off my workout regimen for a few months. I'm interested in any advice about training, and preparing for the 7-day ride...

Bought a Trek Hybrid (love it!), had the saddle replaced to something a little kinder on the sitbones, have biking shorts and gloves..along with the requisite repair/safety gear. Plan to get a stationary trainer for the rainy weeks that will come in the next coupla months. I live in the wine country of Northern California so I'm fortunate to be in a place that a lot of people need to arrange to come to bike.

Any and all advice welcomed! I've been reading a lot about training and the main message I'm getting is "start slow and don't overdo it" -- good advice cuz I'm excited to get going and need to discipline myself right now -- and then to the opposite later on to make sure I log the miles/hours in the saddle that will be required.

OK..I'm quitting here...thanks in advance for any responses.