<< 45, 100+ lbs overweight, same sort of situation as you, and I felt the exact same way when I figured out how to work the quick release front tire.

I haven't had a chain pop off yet, knock wood, but I remember how dadgum cool I felt being able to put that tire on and off all by myself.

I feel the same way as you, too, when I'm out on the trail. It's so freeing, isn't it, to be out on your own with no demands other than those you put on yourself? I love riding.

Congratulations on your new independence.

Roxy