Esther- to answer your question about the Full Moon coffeehouse- no, I didn't ride with any of them. I was working on my master's degree then, and not doing any cycling! I think I mostly did camping and backpacking back in those days.

Towanda- Just find what works the best for you with regards to how often and how far you go. Sounds like you must have an "around the town" bike. Perhaps you can be a "spare the air" gal, and use your bike for those errands you'd usually do by car. I use my bike as a my mode of transportation to the doctor, the dentist, the bike shop, etc. Yesterday when I went to my doctor's they put my bike in a special room- wow- I had explained to them by phone the day before that I wasn't about to leave it outside!