You’ve dreamed, you’ve planned, you’ve registered, and you can’t wait until September when you’ll be off on the ride of a lifetime. So now what? Many first timers want to know what they can do to have the best time possible out there. Well, we happen to have compiled some tips from veteran Cycle Oregon riders and staff that we are happy to pass on to you.

If you want the smiles, you gotta put in the miles. Training is important and the more fit you are prior to the ride, the easier a week eating up landscape on the bike will be. Leading up to September, try and get in a few back to back long rides to make sure you’re body is ready. Also, don’t forget the importance of strength training, flexibility, nutrition, and rest in your training repertoire. You can find a great month-by-month training plan here.

When the beginning of September rolls around and it’s time to pack, try to remember, you can’t bring it all with you, so just bring what you need. Keep an eye on the weather in Central Oregon in September and pack clothing accordingly. Make sure your bike is in tip top shape too. There will be bike mechanics on the ride but a tune-up and shakedown ride before Classic is always well advised. For everything else, check out this handy packing checklist.