Texas - Tips for a first time charity ride?

I'll be doing the 40 mile ride at this Sunday's Cy-Fair Bike For Sight, and is wondering if anyone has any good tips for a newbie?

I'm usually around 16-18mph, and will probably have to rest at the half-way point. I plan to start at the back, so as not to get in the way of folks with skills.

Anything else I can do to make sure I don't get in anyone's way, or that I don't kill myself?

At a normal charity ride, it's not a problem- not like the Hotter'n-Hell 100 discussion up there.

At 16-18 mph, you'll have a lot of people in front of you and a lot behind you, too. Won't much matter where you start.

They normally have rest stops every 10 miles or so, so no problem to stop and rest. Enjoy the ride.

1)Get a mirror and use it.

2) Pass slower people on the left (be prepared for "idiot maneuvers" from the one you are passing).

3) Move safely to the Rt if you have faster riders coming up behind you (see #1 above)

4) The most congested (most dangerous) section will be the first couple of miles (longer depending on the size of the crowd) Be positive and polite in your "passing on your left, please" announcements.

5) This is not a race....you probably won't be hitting your 16-18mph until you're past the first
3-5 miles or so (again, dependent on the # of cyclists and your starting position in the group)

6) Relax and have fun....talk to people as you ride....maintain your cool...again this is NOT A RACE, but a fun social event to raise money for a charity.

I've done quite a few of these, and if you maintain your sense of humor...keep level headed, positive, and polite....It can be a real blast.

First of all, see you there. There will be plenty of rest stops for you to reenergize. Jtgyk has some good advise. if i were you, i wouldnt start in the back as that is where the slow riders will be (under 10 mph). you will end up passing a ton of people for a few miles. boost your ego though. and enjoy the route, its a great route through the forrest.

yeah at 16-18 you should not start in the back... typically at these deals, especially the smaller ones, the racer-crowd will line up near the front, so just sort of try to start with folks who look to be roughly your fitness / ability level.

if you're in a group / drafting, leave some extra follow space/ reaction time.

be extra vigilant near turns and rest stops - lots of unexpected action happens in those places.

I would suggest skipping the first rest stop. It is always crowded and you will be there longer than you want. When you get to the second one there won't be lines for water, snacks, or for the porta-can.

Eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty. Have fun!

Pretty much all of the above.

Mirror - I've never used one. but I'd be tempted to say don't try it out on a large ride. Get used to it before that.

At 16-18, you will be held up for a LONG time behind slower riders... especially if you start at the back. Show up, get in line... where you are, you are. Don't worry about it.

The wife and I are doing this ride (the 24 miler), so we'll see you out there. We'll probably be rolling around 12-14, so say hello as you blow on by (on the left). :D

Teeleton