Hi ladies!

Just wanted to jump on here and finally say hello! I have been lurking on here for months, but neglected to sign up until I got my road bike. I got my new speedy machine yesterday, and I am super excited to get started.

I have been an avid indoor cyclist for several years, and I decided that I needed to get outside and live a little!

Of couse, I have a billion questions, but I will only pick the collective mind here for a few! Thanks in advance for all yall's help! What a great resource for active women!

What are the gear necessities I need? Essentially, all I have is a bike. And of course, I'm on a budget (librarians are not rollin in it)
Brain bucket suggestions?
How did yall learn to ride? A book? A riding group?