Well, of course everyone's motivation for getting out and doing things is different...*shrug*...my motivation is competetive in nature. I don't do well "competing" against myself... it's important to me to do better each time I'm out, but that won't keep me out there in the long run. Oh well...anyway....so long as I'm not embarrassing myself with how I'm doing starting out....I'm a happy camper. I'll figure it out as I meet other people on the road/trails.

Cycle Oregon...road trip....average of 65 miles on paved roads. Here's the link: http://www.cycleoregon.com/

I want to be at the point that I can do some of the longer day options and also be happy and content at night, not exhausted. I'm willing to train as hard as I need to so that I feel that comfort level. I do NOT want to be a burden or not be able to finish a day. Big thing for me!! I want to be able to enjoy a beer in the beer tent at the end of the day, you know?

And terminology...so I should state if it's a paved trail, unpaved trail or road, correct? I need a LOT more confidence on the unpaved trails, that I know from the first day out (and sorry, I did go out once on a mt bike that wasn't mine...so I've been out FOUR times, LOL...big difference, right??)

Other than competetiveness, yes, I do want to have the fitness level and confidence to get on my bike any day, any time I feel like it and bike as long and as far as my mind wants to without my body crashing on me....since I hike 10-15 miles on an average day, I think I'm looking at wanting to do longer distances comfortably. And, I'm worried about holding other people back if/when I bike with others. I know how it feels to have to hold back and wait, and it sucks.