Thanks to everyone! this forum has been very helpful and supportive. i love it here. i keep trying and hoping i'll feel at ease soon. When i was a kid i rode that 10 speed bike all over. it was so easy to me then. Why is it so difficult to start out now? i hate that i let myself get SO out of shape..yet i had no idea how much i really WAS out of shape. This has been humbling, but i am hoping to get better, enough to really ride around here and enjoy myself. I am already talking to a neigghbor about her getting a bike and joining me. ( her idea) i would love to have a friend ride along. as long as she doesn't hold me back..J/K.. i'll be the one holding her back..