Find a local Club and join the "C" Group. This is normally filled with Those that like to ride but can't ride fast. It will be too slow for you but get "Some" experience of riding with others. Then upgrade to higher groups but stay away from those that are going for "Just 25 miles at 20mph up XXX Hill"
The 25 miles will be 50- the 20mph will be nearer 30 and the Hill will be the 12 miles at 15% on top of the mountain you can see in the distance on a clear day. Leave that group till nearer the evnt.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan