The Ride is easier that you think. once you can ride over 40 miles, you can do 75 miles.

I will also make a few suggestions.

1) Forget the Bum bag and buy a hydration pack. It will hold more water than water bottles and you can store your cell phone, camera and other things in it. Don't worry about putting energy drink in your hydropak and use the water bottle for energy drink.

2) Don't be afraid of spandex and ignore what people, including your fellow xmarkers, have to say. They are comfortable and LIGHT WEIGHT. your legs are doing all the work and you need to free them up for movements. Don't give in and buy a pair of heavy cargo shorts. you are doing a road ride, and you will ride.

3) TO get used to drinking before your are thirsty, set an alarm that beeps every 5 - 10 minutes. it will remind you to drink.

4) If you don't know how to change a flat or repair a punctured tube, it will be aa good time to learn.

5) A comfortable saddle doesn't mean that it has lots of padding.

6) Get a pair of riding gloves. Most people ride with fingerless gloves, but I prefer full finger gloves.

7) Look for group rides in your neighbourhood. If you are intimidated by group ride, start your own. put an ad on craigslist. Riding with people will help you to improve.

8) don't be afraid of drafting of another, you will save energy. but don't suck the wheel all the time, when you are not tired, get infront and lead. Don't be a wheel Sucker!!

9) I cannot stress the importance of a pair of proper riding glasses. You don't need to spend mega bucks for Oakleys.

10) Wear a proper sport shirts, and cotton isn't a man's best friend when riding. You need something that willw ick your sweat and keep you cool.

11) And no, I won't ride in a kilt either. Save that for the before and after ride social.