Originally Posted by
knobster
My only advice is to be very mindful of those around you. Charity rides brings out all sorts of people and routinely people that have no idea how to ride in a group of people. Like yourself, no offense.
This lack of experience can make things dangerous. I would not get to close to bunches of riders and watch when you're going around turns as many people don't take the proper line and will cut you off. When you pass someone, let them know in advance and give them plenty of room when you pass. Most people on these rides aren't paying a lot of attention to keeping their track straight and they tend to be all over the place.
You should have a great time and as long as you keep your attention, you should be safe at the end.
+1
Very good advice, especially if it is a mass start. I normally work my way to the front of the mass then speed will thin out the riders where it is a little safer to ride.
I would show up in cycling gear, most of the charity rides in this area don't think about changing rooms. At lunch, you can put a pair of baggy short on over the cycling shorts. A lot of people will eat lunch in the same clothes that they rode in.