welcome to the board mjv. sorry I'm not from your area but give it some time - I'm pretty sure we've got some NC ppl here. There's a thread under open titled "getting to know you" give you some giggles learning about us and if you're so inclined - tell us a lil sumpin about you.

As for riding alone, I ride just about everywhere alone including my first and second century! It was scary at first and I was afraid to ride on the streets but there is a peacefulness and solitude that you just don't get when riding with other people. Be like Nike - Just Do It!! You'll wonder after what the big deal was!!

oh.....and tell us all about it - we Love storys!