General Cycling Discussion - Charity Rides

I know this may be a stupid question, so please don’t flame me. I’ve looked everywhere on this board about participating in a charity ride (non competitively) but can’t seem to find out HOW exactly to participate in one. So here’s my question. I live in NYC. How do I find out about these events? And how do I sign up for one? Is there a secret schedule somewhere?
:beer:

Just puttering around on google.com, I tripped over these:

http://www.nycbicycleshow.com/calendar/index.html
http://www.transalt.org/calendar/century/

regards
Dan

I'd check with my LBS first, local cycling club and community activities section of your newspaper. I'm doing my first charity ride next month. Found out about it through my LBS.

I'm running a charity ride right across Australia next year. We'll cover around 4200 km in just over a month.

I guess that's not quite what you were after.:D

I did a Leukemia Society Team in Training ride. Best experience I've had in a long time! it's on the web, do a google search.

Originally posted by MediaCreations
I'm running a charity ride right across Australia next year. We'll cover around 4200 km in just over a month.

I guess that's not quite what you were after.:D
Not quite, hehe. I'm not sure what I should ride. I found rides that vary in distance. It ranges from 35 miles to 100 miles. I don't want to do the 35 because it might not be a good challege for me.....what did you guys do when you were a beginner? What was your first charity ride? Any tips on one? I'll start training for my first ride (this ride will be in September).

Originally posted by Bbmoozer
I did a Leukemia Society Team in Training ride. Best experience I've had in a long time! it's on the web, do a google search.
Thx.

Originally posted by Cadd

.....what did you guys do when you were a beginner? What was your first charity ride? Any tips on one? I'll start training for my first ride (this ride will be in September).

first charity ride ever was a 50 mile ride challenging enough but still doable then moved up to a 62 mile then a 75 and finially a 100

as far as training for the 50 i just rode aftr work 10-20 miles and went for it the excitement of being in a organized ride with rest stops and many riders of varrieing abilities and determination got me through it. and i was riding in tennis shoes , cotton gym shorts, and a cotton t shirt the second ride the 62 mile was harder as it was hilly and hot fot he 75 and 100 i put in more miles after work and longer rides on the weekend also bought bike shorts and a jersey for these rides and cycling shoes
catfish

What should you bring with you to a charity ride other than your bike & yourself? Do I need a spare tube and/or patch kit or would they supply that if I get a flat?

How about a waterbottle? Would that be extra weight that I don't need?

Tools?

I think I'll either do a 50 or 75. I've rode 25 miles at a easy pace with a buddy of mine last night and I feel great!!!

I think I need cycling shorts because my seat is rubbing me the wrong way. The first 20 miles were fine in cotton shorts, but the last 5 miles weren't that great. It felt as if the motion of my strokes is making my groin area rub against the seat. I'm sure if I do this for another 25 miles, I'll rub off some skin (sorry to be so nasty).

Would cycling shorts cure this problem? Or maybe it's just the way I pedal? I just got clipless shoes, so maybe that's why.

Your opinions?

Cycling shorts are a must. I would plan on taking your own pump, patch kit, spare tire, tire lever, energy gel and water. Chances are, they will have a few SAG waggons driving around to fix mechanicals and problems, and rest stops for food and water. But dont plan on it.

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
Cycling shorts are a must. I would plan on taking your own pump, patch kit, spare tire, tire lever, energy gel and water. Chances are, they will have a few SAG waggons driving around to fix mechanicals and problems, and rest stops for food and water. But dont plan on it.

Darn it, I don't have a frame pump...now that means extra $$$. Ok, now what's an energy gel???

Is that rubbing thing I mention a common complain among newbies? Is there a proper term for it?

Originally posted by Cadd


Is that rubbing thing I mention a common complain among newbies? Is there a proper term for it?

Yup, you need to get some bike-specific shorts. These have padding in areas that may rub against the saddle. Also, saddles are very specific to anatomy. If the riding shorts don't fix the problem (they most probably will), I would suggest another saddle.

Yup, all these things cost money, but you'll be paid back 100-fold with a much more enjoyable riding experience!

:D