Total Novice

While I am physically fit (do intense aerobics 6-7x a week etc) I am a complete beginner at riding.
I signed up to do some mellow biking trips over the summer and joined a local bike riding group that breaks up into levels. I haven't gone yet because My daughter just had her tonsils out and was sick a lot before then etc.

I have been riding locally. I can easily do 15 miles without feeling tired, it's more of a time issue at this point until next week when she goes to camp. My Son has also taken up riding recently.

Anyway I got a trek 7300 WSD and I like it. I realize it isn't a sophisticated bike but it feels good and I thought it was good for a beginner.

I need to learn more about what gears are best for going up hills, against wind etc. Is there a good place to read about this.

I have also realized I would feel more comfortable with a mirror to see behind me in traffic and some lights for night riding. Any advice?
My intention is to build up to longer rides both alone and with groups.

Thanks for any advice.

Hi Nancy, welcome to TE.
a good place to read about bike stuff is http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ Sheldon Brown's website. He talks a lot about gearing.
If you have a cadence meter on your bike computer (you HAVE a bike computer, right?) you can start becoming aware of how hard you are pedaling.
If you find yourself muscling yourself up a hill, you go to a lower gear. Try out all your gears on the flat first, then later on a hill.
as for mirrors, I would be lost without the 1" square mirror I have duct-taped to my helmet. Sometimes when I go for a walk, I try to look into it (it's not there) that's how dependent upon it I have gotten. It's great for being able to ride in traffic..

Thanks so much, yes I have a bike computer. Great advice and I will start reading.

I'm just going to add that, if you pay attention, you don't need a computer with a cadence function. It's nice to see numbers, sure, but not necessary. If I notice myself flagging, I drop a gear. If I notice that little "jump" at the top of each pedal stroke, I click up one. I'd rather not spend all the time freaking out because I'm not in a certain range. ;)

There are several mirror related threads around here

thanks. I think my computer is pretty basic. Good advice, appreciate it!

The idea with "what gear to be in" is to determine what is easiest of "you". Some people do better spinning at a higher cadence on hills and some do better mashing or somewhere in between. One of the ideas with keeping it at a faster cadence, is that it saves your muscles, so you don't get tired out too quickly on a long ride.

An efficient cyclist is changing gears often, even on seemingly insignificant grade changes. If you are on a "mostly" flat road and, say your cadence is at 90, and a small hump in the road is approaching, it's best to change your gear as you start that hump so that you can stay at a 90 cadence until you are over it, then switch back.

You can learn a lot by riding with more experienced riders and paying attention to how fast they are spinning, when they change gears ... and a lot of the stuff.

Congrats on the new bike and the new love of riding. :D