Thanks for the advice, folks! You guys are great!

I rode 25 miles yesterday, incuding a great big hill, and it was not really a problem (wow this carbon bike is GREAT!). Melissa M- thanks so much for directing me to the Diablo Cyclist Century Training schedule- pretty sure I can follow it. Weather has been beautiful here in southern NM- clear and sunny, in the 60s during the day. Windy season is coming up, but I've been pelted w/sand when running, I s'pose I can learn to deal w/it when biking.

I have no problem riding w/out hands, eating and drinking on the bike. You are right that my biggest hurdle will be riding in a group, so my next project is to track down a group of people to ride with. I heard about a group made up of mostly retirees- "the "Chowder Club"- that rides here on the weekends. Maybe they'll be patient w/a newbie and willing to share their biking wisdom and experience.

I'll go to Santa Fe one way or another... if something goes wrong (ie bad weather, still don't feel comfie in a group, etc) I'll just do the 50 mile.

I'm just too excited not to go.