Hi everybody. I just recently discovered TE and this forum and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kate. I just turned 37, live in Indianapolis, Indiana and work as an attorney. I'm a new cyclist, having just started this past May. As my friends like to say, I've taken up cycling "with a vengeance." I'm totally obsessed and happily so. I'm only sad that it took me so long to "discover." Better late than never, right!

I initially bought a Trek 7.5 FX and, within weeks, knew that I wanted a roadbike. In July, I bought a Bianchi Eros Donna, and I absolutely love it. Granted, I don't have much to compare it to, but I don't have any complaints so far. The ride is smooth and stable, the Campy components are great (I upgraded to Veloce for the rear derailleur and brifters and converted it to a 10-speed), and it has a fair amount of pep despite weighing 22 pounds. It's like a dear friend. Everytime I pass by it in the garage, I find myself stopping and admiring it.

I've been averaging about 120 miles a week for the last month or so. Last week was my "personal best" at 160 miles. I ride mostly alone, in part because I like the solitude and in part because I don't have a lot of riding buddies at the moment. My favorite ride is in the country, although that means that I have to haul the bike outside the city (I live in downtown Indy). I've just started doing some club/group rides. For whatever reason, I was nervous about riding with other people, but I'm trying to get over that. I just signed up to do the Hilly Hundred--a hugely popular two-day ride in Southern Indiana. Are any other TE members doing the ride? I saw that a few posts about last years ride.....

My main goal is to just stick with it. I'd like to continue building my strength and stamina so that I can tackle just about any ride. I hope to do my first century next summer. I started off being rather timid about the whole thing, so it's been as much a mental challenge as a physical one. I'd also like to make some new friends along the way and to incorporate cycling into my travels. Oh, and meeting a man who likes to ride would be nice too.

Anyway, that's me. I look forward to reading all your great posts/advice and becoming an active TE member!

Kate