On Feb 11, 1:10*am, Lou Holtman wrote:

(whoops, I blew the attribution while trimming, apologies):
I wouldn't be too discouraged by the naysayers. If you're reasonably fit
and can get in some longish training rides beforehand, you should be
able to do it.

Is it do able? Sure. Is it fun to do? I doubt it. Should it be fun? I
think so. The victims of the good cause won't be helped if someone
else suffers. There is some stupid idea that charity rides should be
hard and extreme to attract attention in order to raise money. We see
that all the time here. Bloody nonsense in my opinion.[...]

(Lou responded):
Sheldon has spoken: http://sheldonbrown.com/thons.html.

I wise man.

I don't see anything wrong with the hundred mile ride as a goal. There
will be pain and suffering for an untrained person. I still remember
my first Century, in 1977, for instance. A personal victory, an
accomplishment that subsequent days of going much further and faster
did not tarnish in the least.

Not a "thon" exactly, but there is a local event, the Danskins
Triathlon, that brings many-- and I mean many-- new cyclists into the
sport, and not all are female, either.

Go and ride one of the thons or any group ride here in Austin in the
weeks and months leading up to the Danskins, you will see all kinds of
women (and at least a few men) who are obviously new to the sport,
obviously challenged. And obviously gettin' with it, big time.

I think some people forget being a beginner. I haven't yet g.

As always, Sheldon has a point, but this time, in my humble opinion,
not the final word. For instance, "the good" a thon might do includes
"spreading the word", as with the Lance Armstrong Foundation's various
events, including rides, which in a big way helped bring testicular
cancer into public awareness. "Yeah, guys, you're supposed to do
regular self-exams for this stuff" g. When did you ever hear about
testicular cancer before LAF? "Breast cancer" used to be two dirty
words in a row. Thons have helped change that.

The OP isn't a cyclist now, doesn't want to become one (at this point,
anyhow). I advised him not to enter this event on that basis.
For others, those who are interested in cycling as a sport, hobby,
avocation (as in "minor occupation"), whatever, that's a different
ball game.
If for no other reason than it's going to take some dedication and the
necessary motivation to "get ready" for not just one Century, but six
in a row (or plenty close to it), and if you don't love the sport (to
some extent, at least g) to start with, that's not a great place to
get started from.

Hey OP Paul: still with us?
--D-y