Hi, all:

N00b here. My husband used to race across the country and Italy with his business school team, and when we met in San Francisco, he was biking every weekend. I knew he was the one partially because I have been hot for cyclists all my life!

Well, life happened to us all and we had to move out of California due to real estate craziness, and his biking friend became a father who had no more time for biking to Marin.

So, for our 3rd anniversary, I suggested he buy me a bike so we could cycle together (once I learned, of course). He lit up like a X-mas tree, he was so happy. I have a good Specialized Vita, which I think is actually a triathalon bike, and clipless pedals.

Well, let me tell you that I was shocked that clipless pedals...are like my little nemeses. They seriously scare me. I am not willing to use clips because Mr. Man put the fear of God into me about those too. I used to mountain bike somewhat (casually) in undergrad and was really pretty good at that. I also used to horseback ride and stadium and outdoor jump as a teen, so I'm not sure what the balance issue is about. I spin and lift weights for exercise but I'm a blob right now and out of shape.

I might be psyching myself out and thinking too much and worrying what Mr. Man thinks of me.

I read on here that coaching might be a solution. Does anyone know where there might be a good coach for a beginner around Chicagoland? I'm old enough (35) that falling down hurts like a bi!ch and I'd really like to avoid it. I also don't want to get all anxious and fearful.

Ultimately, I blew out a knee spinning with too much resistance and this is good excercise for me and I want to keep it up. I also like the booty I get when I'm actually in shape...

Any ideas or thoughts?