A first charity ride

[MollyJ]

I think of myself as the lone ranger of bike riding but I am interested in doing my state's Tour de Cure, a benefit ride for diabetes. It is, in this state, not a race, it's a ride. I thought I would do a 25 mile ride, which is well within my capacity. What do I need to know about charity rides? Since I don't ever ride with other riders, what do I need to know about riding with groups of riders? Any helpful hints for what to expect on the day of the ride?

my newbiness is showing...

[Penny4]

Mmmm, have fun! That's most important

Are you going to be riding iwth any one, or going solo?

You'll be starting with a big group of folks, and it will take a while for the pack to thin out as everyone tries to find their little spot. Be patient while this happens, it can take a few miles for everyone to settle in. And since you start in a big group, you have to remember not to make sudden movements or stops without looking around and announcing. Be aware of other riders movements ttoo. once you get going, it's kind of fun to chat with other groups of riders as you pass each other. folks are usually pretty friendly on these rides. Be sure to call out any obstacles you see on the road for riders behind you, and announce yourself when you go to pass other riders. Don't get too close to the rider in front of you, since you don't know their riding habits. There will probably be some intersections with police who will wave large groups of riders through, which is always nice.

What is the next ride up? 40 or 50 miles? Any thoughts of trying that? It's a good time to try a longer distance since there will be support (rest stops will have food and water for you, SAG vehicles to help if you have mecanical problems).

Probably need to get there early too. Not sure where you are, but parking can sometimes be tricky at these events.
Have fun! You'll have to report back.

[MollyJ]

Next ride up is 50 miles. I did 44 last weekend so it would not be unimaginable.

Here's my long term vision. I would like to see if I like this ride. Then if I do, I'm a school nurse. I might try to build a community team of school folks for next year that would ride in this charity ride and my goal would be: Any community student that wants to go to diabetes camp gets to go.

I thought of the shorter distance because I just thought getting used to the environment would be good but bragging rights never hurt anything. Probably be a smaller "crowd".

[Penny4]

Nice goal!

Consider the 50. The first charity ride I did, i wished i had signed up for a longer route, because i had so much fun. 25 miles will only be an 1.5-2 hours...get the most bang for your registration buck!

[amnesiac]

Rock on school nurse sister! I'd say do the 50 because shorter is where the heavy traffic is & you're more likely to get into trouble. I think you'll get more enjoyment from pushing yourself a bit & experiencing the thinning out process. My other words of advice would be to not completely clip in for the first couple of miles just in case & to skip the first rest stop if you can.

[MollyJ]

I did it, completing the 50 mile ride. The wind was challenging but Wichita area is not as hilly as my home town area so it was okay. I didn't fall over, make other riders crash or any other feared catastrophes. It was a lot of fun. I am sure I will do it again.

Oh, forgot to say this. I did the 50 because of the encouragement here. I skipped the first rest stop but make all the rest. I fell in love all over again with my road bike; love those skinny tires. I'm not speedy but I got 'er done.

[Meowkungpow]

Did you go? I signed up for Tour here. Just the lowest one (they have 17 miles to 100). I haven't been able to find anyone who will go. Did you end up being by yourself? how was it? I'm not an excellent riding and the elevation looks fairly steep so i think i may have to stop often!