First longish ride-now I want more!

[merbella]

Signed up on a whim for a charity ride (30 mile) this past Sunday that turned into a 34 mile ride with some missed turns.. ;-)
But had a great time. Mildly hilly, but not too tough.
I rode with a friend who is celebrating just over a year out from total knee replacement and she did well.
I rode on my Trek 7.6 and she was on an Orbea Diem (their hybrid she uses to commute to work).
I was a bit wiped out from the exertion and the heat (Atlanta in a heat wave) but was otherwise fine-no soreness to speak of. Just pain from an ongoing Achilles tendonitis.
So that got me excited about doing more cycling AND (of course) thinking about a road bike...
How much more would a road bike enhance my experience over my current bike? I am just starting to explore the possibility and plan to drop into some bike shops over the next few weeks as I know this is a good way to start the learning process.
But already looking for more opportunities to get out for some more cycling and welcome any feedback about possibility of upgrading to a road bike at some point.
:)

[Atlas]

I don't have much advice for upgrading but congrats! I just did my first longer ride yesterday (20 miles) and it was fantastic and now I want to go everywhere so I understand that urge. A road bike would probably be more comfortable over long distances, but you could also make a few changes to the bike you have now to make it more suitable. I'm more of a commuter (but that'll change now) so maybe some others will jump in with more advice.

[lizbinsocali]

Congrats on going further than you ever have before! What a great feeling, huh?!?! I started bike riding last year after about 20 years and I weighed around 250 lbs. I first got a mountain bike since I didn't know if I would like cycling again like I did in my 20's. I was hooked! Started riding my old bike consistently since last October and worked up to distances of 30-35 miles, around 2.5 to 3 hrs. on the weekends. I remember when I first started when with my mountain bike, I thought riding for a hour straight was an accomplishment.

I guess I fell in love with riding again because if you're consistent, you can really increase the riding time and miles fairly quickly. I started thinking about upgrading to a road bike after New Years and purchased my Fuji Finest 2.0 this past February. I am now riding 10+ hours a week, with long rides on Sundays anywhere from 60 mi plus, and longer than 4 hours in duration. The best part is I have so far lost 54 lbs!

Finding the cycling club I just joined is great too. The experienced riders have been very helpful to me and wait for me when I struggle up tough hills. I have been learning alot from them. Soooo, do your research, read the posts on this forum and find a good LBS. When you are ready, you will find the right ride for you. Goes without saying, I am soooo glad I bought my road bike. I have been having a blast this summer!!:D

Good luck and happy riding!!
Liz