Congratulations on your decision to ride, B-Moe. I'm a fellow Ohioan, and sister of Coletta who posted above in the thread.

IMHO get the right gear and ride in the cold weather. If the roads are dry, w/the right clothes, you can ride right through the winter. It's just so rewarding to get out and ride, in spite of the cold weather. And lots more fun than trudging on a trainer indoors.

Like you, I just started getting more serious about cycling this past summer. Just last week I had my highest mileage week so far, 130 miles, and that was the second full week of December (granted, it's been unseasonably warm). I'm even amazing myself.

Are you near the west side of Cleveland? My club in Lorain county has regularly scheduled rides all winter, and the leader is AMAZING. He's done a couple cross country cycling trips and last year, cycled from Ohio to Florida. You will love the energy of this group.

Please PM me if you are interested in riding w/us, we would love to have you!

Colleen