I am going back and typing this b/c I didn't know how to do all this when I first entered this race. This was my first ever bike ride, and it was one to forget. I wasn't ready for the hilly-ness and actually braked going downhill at times b/c I was not comfortable yet going very fast. I ended up getting 2 flats (found out later my rim tape had slid off to one side inside the wheel and there was a sharp edge tearing up my tubes). I only brought one spare, but a wonderful girl stopped and offered me her only spare tube for my 2nd flat. It was a nice race though and the scenery was great. Going to do it again in 09 and will do a longer distance and will let'er rip on the downhills!!