I have entered my first ever bike event (it's not a race!)

[KatyMac]

I am a bit scared as it's 25 miles but my bike is electric (still waiting to see if they will let me ride it)

Gulp

Feel a bit over ambitious now!!

I've bought a puncture repair kit that I can't use & I need to get an 18mm spanner!!

I did it!!!

3 and 1/4 hours

I feel like I really achieved

Nice work! Hope you got a medal or some other goodies (sometimes you get socks for bike events!)

Well done. Hills are a bugger but the e has to help.

There's something great about the speed that the world goes past at when you're on a bike, isn't there?

I did first ever mini tour a few weeks ago. Still refuse to wear cycling kit (apart from good padded inners) and I'm in awe of your intention to change tubes or fix punctures (always always carry taxi money/ride with more practical people - I'm looking at you DH).

What's next?

Well I didn't use any kit - the bike shop put some powder into tyres (how it works I don't have a clue)

But DH has the wrong valve so he could have used the kit

I was planning on locking tthe bike up (if it broke down) and phoning my mum to come get me - then DH could pick it up in the car later on!!

I got a medal (would have preferred fluffy socks as my feet were cold I it's not warm enough for sandals yet )

Are padded unders worth it? I am a bit tender

no hills in Norfolk

Padded shorts...worth every penny!!!! Plus Chamois cream (anti-chafing ) for longer distances :)

Maybe I'll get them from DH for my birthday - is there anywhere I can go try them on?

What;s next? no idea - I'd like to ride with a group but I'm too slow for the groups round here

All cycle shops have a good range, or decathlon are good of you have one near you. Sports direct often have some too. Most important fact...you do not wear pants with them (except for when trying on of course )

Try Lets Ride for local organised rides:

www.letsride.co.uk/guided-rides

The rides range from easy to challenging. I've done a few challenging ones in my area, not that difficult, think the longest one was 30 miles which was fine. Good fun if you get a nice group of people, there's often a tea shop or pub along the way too...

Thanks - that found me a group on fb and a ride on Thursday (but i'll see how my bum is first!)