Recreational & Family - going my longest distance yet

Next weekend I will be riding in my LBS's own ride.It is called the Scott's to Scott's ride.It goes from Kenniwick Wa to Hermiston Ore.About 40 miles one way.I already know that i cannot make the ride both ways.but
I did drive part of the route yeasterday.Oh man that is going to be pure torture.There is about 7 miles of up hill at varying degrees.Some of it pretty dang steep.I already know that I won't be able to keep up with the lead group.I am also afraid I will die in those hills.the good part is there is not much traffic there so getting run over won't be an issue.but it may take awhile to find the body.
I will be using my camelback with water in it.(nothing to fill a bottle with out there)and also 2 bottles of gaterade or something like that.shorts and a tshirt.(don't have a jersey yet)You guys got any advise for me?It is not a race so speed is not really and issue here which is a good thing.I just hope to fall into my nice easy cadence and keep plugging along.
Last year there were a couple of guys that road there mtn bikes on it.they seem to have had great fun.I hope to too.

Ride at your own pace, keep hydrated, rest if you feel the need and most of all, have fun.

It can help if you are in a group of other riders, both mentally and physically. It does not sound like you will be pacelining so the physical part won't be as significant. Don't extend yourself just to stay with a group though. Reserve your energy up front, resist the temptations to surge when you feel good. Your body will thank you later. Take breaks before you need them, 5-10 minutes. Also eat even though you are not hungry. Snack the whole way but don't stuff yourself. Avoid getting overheated.

cool thank you. I appricate the advice.I am trying to keep a good mental attitude about this ride.The hills are more than anything I have tried.I am hoping that I can get up them(actually it is one long hill with some very small breaks going up.)Part of the deal with my bike was to ride this particular ride.I was just hoping it would have been a different route.I am going to give it my very best.I hope it is enouph.
thank you again.
by the way it is an open ride and that is the main reason I am going.I know it will be fun (how could it not be.a ride on my bike it is always good.)

Let us know all the gory details, really :). Best of luck on the ride. It will be a great personal achievement for you!

Well that flopped out.Yesterday was cold and windy.I unfortunatly had some other things that I have been pushing back fall into place and I could not go on the ride.I felt really bad and wished I could have.I talked to the lbs owner about it and he kept saying no problem there will be other rides and I will keep ya posted.cool.
When I saw what the weather was (yes I am a fair weather rider) I was very happy.I did not get everything done I wanted but I got along ways down the road.I just did not get to ride my bike is all.
I haven't spent much time on my bike as I want lately but I am trying to change that.
Thanks for all the advise.I will be using it in the future.