In fact, i've never been on a bike!

I've been floating around this forum for the last few months. I think I want to get into cycling. I've been to a few bike shops but wasn't really satisfied with the answers to my questions, to be honest I don't believe i was begin taken seriously! Bike shops here are few and far between!

I'm still trying to do a couple of things:

1. finalize my budget, not so much what i can afford to spend but what is a smart and responsible amount to spend!

2. Figure out exactly what kind of bike I'm looking for. which is what i need the most help with!

3. Decide which lovely shop I'm going to spend my wages at! Ha! (Can you hear the sarcasm?)

So this is what i need help with.

I want a bike primarily to go back and forth to work on, because lets face it walking sucks! My trek to work is not bad except there is a really steep hill, with a nasty left turn! then its straight and level on a rather busy road! sound like fun yet! Its only 2 or 3 miles.

I want to put a rack and trunk, panniers, or something on the bike because I'm going to use it like a car, i'd like to run errands and get groceries as well but i have a funny feeling that i wouldn't be able to lock her up and "abandon" her! Maybe after i get a few scratches on her!

I like to use it as well to exercise the dog, usually I run but sometimes I don't have a lot of time. I'm always trying to find out new ways to tire out that dog! But i would attempt that until i was confident riding.

And finally I like to have a bike to go up on the highway and see exactly what I'm worth! One thing i learned about myself over the years is I always push myself beyond my limits, and whats over that next hill just can't wait till tomorrow. I do nothing in moderation!

I've been looking at road bikes but some of them seem a little flimsy for what i want. I've been warned that dropped bars are dangerous for commuting because they decrease your field of vision.

Thats probably enough for now. Thanks for any replies.

'Lil Miss Wanzar