Originally Posted by cantdrv55
I'm doing my first Tour de Cure in Napa this May. Opted for the 50 miler. I, too, was worried about getting laughed at about my bike and choice of jersey (t-shirt). You know Napa being what it is, all hoity-toity.
I am an older rider and I get fun poked at me for thinking how I do such a ride and how old I am. Not by the experienced riders- It is always the "new" riders who have all the right gear- brand new bike and the cockiness to suit,. It is surprising how often I have to remind them that a brand new bike with the wrong set of legs on it on gets heavy as they push it up the hills---As I cycle past them. Then one memorable 100 miler where I was actually putting my bike on the car as one group of cocky riders came in at the end. Me and my mates- All older riders-lined up at the side of the road and encouraged them up the final slope.
Do not worry about the quality of your bike or what you are wearing. The only thing that matters on a ride like this is that you enjoy it.