Good luck Luna on the MRI, I hope they find what's wrong...

I don't mean to break anyone's fun, but am I the only one doubting that Townies and cruiser-style bikes are appropriate for riding longer distances and making efforts? They are great bikes, no doubt, for riding besides the beach at a relaxed pace and even for running errands. But something in me tells me that they're not bikes you're supposed to work hard on for prolonged periods of time. They are certainly not designed with that purpose in mind.

I don't pretend that is the cause of your pain - others have given much better advice than what I could come up with - but I have wondered about this ever since you started posting about having some back problems...

Hopefully others can provide evidence that I'm wrong.