I am going on my first ride with others tomorrow. It is a charity event ride. I am completely clueless about what is considered normal for these things. It has a short route option that I am taking, that is 28 miles.

Do I show up wearing my gear?
They have a place there that I could change.

There is a lunch afterwards. Should I change into street clothes before that?

I have a hydration pack that I like to wear for my personal riding even if I am not going a long way. Would that be considered odd? I expect the short route to take me @2 hrs.

Is there anything else I should know about riding with others? I have always ridden by myself.

I'd show up in gear.

I wouldn't worry about changing clothes for lunch, I never do, but I guess that's a personal comfort thing.

The hydration pack seems a bit much for two hours, but if it's what you're comfortable with, do it.

Not much else to know. I think you're too worried with fitting into the mold. Just do what makes you comfortable and everything else will flow. Have fun!

This

Show up in whatever you usually wear. Relax, have fun, and ride safe.

I usually wear my shorts/bibs to the meet up point. Sometimes they have a changing area, sometimes they dont. Depends on how well organized.

For lunch it doesn't matter. Some people will change first some will change after they eat.

Otherwise, dont worry and enjoy.

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. I've had people suddenly turn and/or suddenly stop in front of me without warning. As for clothing, hydration, etc. come as you wish and run what you brung.

This.

+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.

Concur.

Take regular sneakers along so you don't have to clip-clop around for lunch.

Knobster nailed it.

The one thing I'll emphasize is that depending on just how they start things the beginning may be a total zoo. So show up alert, it gets easier to stay safe once things spread out.

IF the ride is on closed roads there is one very nice trick, ride on the 'wrong' side of the road. It is amazing how much we are creatures of habit and that side will be much less crowded. DO NOT use this trick is the road is open to cars!

Show up dressed in street clothes, change standing in parking lot or where ever they have you parked. Thats reason number one why you have a towel in your ride bag.

Do the ride, no one really cares if you use a hydration pack or not, but for 28 miles you dont need one of the 100 oz type with a pack big enough to carry your gear for a week.

After the ride go back to your car. clean up take a baby wipe bath put on deoderant change into street clothes. then go eat.