It's best if you start gathering materials to take to the ride the weekend before, check that your gear is in good working shape (on rides), add to your gear during the week, and use a checklist (MS Soc page, or click More for additional info. on this site). Your list should include pledge materials (pledge sheet, any $$ to hand in -checks please), bike and safety gear (helmet, shoes, tire changing/pump....), rain gear, luggage, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.

Preparation for the ride starts months before with general conditioning (riding, aerobics, walking, swimming, -whatever you can fit into your schedule) with increasing mileage on the bike over that time. Participating in TCC or MS150 training rides is a great way to get in shape, learn how to ride in a group, get pointers, and make friends. Click here to find out More

To get your bike in shape you can have it overhauled at a local bike shop (so the precious calories you put into riding are used effectively and to min. breakdowns) where you can also ask them for pointers on bike fit and adjustments to your riding position. You can also do the maintenance yourself -especially the chain (lube it), check the tires/tubes and replace if necessary, be sure the front/back skewers holding the wheel in are tight, and check the brake function. Click here to find out More

You don't necessarily need a fancy road bike for the road rides. Yet, a road bike will offer advantages on speed, comfort, ability to stay with a group, etc.

You should increase your mileage gradually, and along with it your pace as desired. Don't try to hang on to a faster group if you're not ready for it, there are also moderate riders to hang with - and they can be fun to talk with. Going to TCC or MS150 training rides is a great way to get in shape, learn how to ride in a group, get pointers, and make friends. Click here to find out More about a training schedule

A pace line is a group of riders riding in a single file, typically 1-2 ft apart, that allows those in the back to get an aerodynamic benefit. This can be fun, allow you to go faster, and makes the miles click by faster. There are rules, and safety precautions, as well as courteseys that you need to be aware of. Click Here for More

Scheduling your training is really helpful as it gives you a target to shoot for. If you can do this with a riding partner it helps a lot. Don't be a slave to your schedule though, if you're tired scale things back a bit or take a day off until you recover. Click Here for More

All Riders must wear an ANSI or other approved cycling helmet

No you can't use your MP3 player with earphones. You can set one up with a small speaker but it shouldnt be a distraction and prevent you from hearing cars or other cyclists

Have two water bottles on the bike and/or a Camelback or similar. Drink 1-1.5 bottles in between rest stops. If it's hot you need to push the 1.5-2 water bottles. If you have to stop to go to the bathroom and your urine is clear you're drinking enough, but don't over do it either. Stopping allows you to chat with folks, and of course there's cookies.

If none of these answer your question email kerightor@charter.net