Thanks! I loved talking to people on the ride, especially women who were the more experienced riders. Lib, I live in St. Charles County - 40 miles west of St. Louis. Eekkk, dogs? that sounds scary! Try finding a team in your area, and train with them. I bet the MS people could help you find one.

I only started riding in March. It definitely helped me training with a team....the experienced riders really help me, we rode almost every Sunday for 3 months. My training for next year will involve spinning class this winter, and working on "big hills" starting now!