1. Be sure you're on our email list so you don't miss any important announcements. (Even if you have received emails in the past, please reconfirm your email due to new MailChimp policies!)
2. First, you are not alone, and we have some resources to share. Our friends at The League of American Cyclists are an excellent source of useful information for beginners including:
“ABCs” of checking your bike for safety
Bike clothing basics (what to wear and why)
How to make sure you are comfortable on your bike
How to ride efficiently
Making sure your helmet fits properly
What gear to ride in when
4. If you signed up for the 109-mile ride, you must have ridden at least a few 60 mile or longer rides before ride day. Here are some some training tips. Bicycling Magazine recently had a nice article on training for a century.
5. Also, remember to take good care of your bike, so it can take good care of you. Keep your bike tuned-up, tires properly inflated, chain clean and well lubricated, and brakes properly adjusted with good pads.
6. Invest in a pair of bike shorts with a good chamois. Also, wear bike gloves, and make sure you have a comfortable seat. You should not get numb after being on the seat a few hours. Your back-end though, will take awhile to get used to your new hobby (this is normal). If you signed up for the 109-mile ride, you also should consider using clip-in pedals/cycling shoes, or pedals with toe-clips.
If you have any specific training questions not addressed above, please email R4RSchools1 [at] gmail [dot] com.
*Ride for a Reason provides information about group training rides to encourage fellowship and fitness in our riders, and to help them become better, stronger, safer cyclists. Cycling, however, is an inherently risky activity, and riders should assume this risk with full knowledge of the risks and benefits of cycling. Ride for a Reason and its fiscal sponsors disclaim any liability for injury, damage, or mishap to riders (or their equipment) on these rides, and riders participate at their own risk and agree to hold Ride for a Reason and its fiscal sponsors harmless and not liable in the event of any accident or injury incurred during these activities. Be safe, be smart, have fun.