I signed up today to do the Multiple Sclerosis bike marathon in Southern California in October. It's a 60 mile ride (there are other rides to chose from, but since a friend of mine was diagnosed this past year I would like to do the 60 if I can). I have a team where one of the girls is an experienced rider, and the rest of us definitely are not. So I'm wondering how a couple of not-so-in-shape young women, can train in order to finish a 60 mile bike ride without falling over dead. I know the obvious, we should ride bikes a lot. Should we also focus on other forms of cardio, like running, or weight lifting, in order to get into better overall physical shape? How important is a diet? We are all full time pre med college students, who work, and I am a single mom on top of that. We are looking for the most efficient at home, or at the gym (where there's babysitting) workouts that we can do. I do have an at home gym with weights, treadmill, elliptical and stationary bike that I'm hoping will finally be useful. We have 8 1/2 months to train so hopefully this is plenty of time. If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. Everything that I have found on line is about competitive racing. I am fully aware that I am not a professional racer, I just don't want to pull muscles and ruin my knees and quads 
Thank you in advance for you answers.
Thank you in advance for you answers.