Welcome both new cyclists! The more women cyclists, the better.

Surg, I started cycling a year ago, went from 154 to 122 lbs - cycling 5 days and following South Beach Diet principles (basically, no added sugar foods, no white foods, no food high on the glycemic index, whole grains, veggies and proteins). Cycling keeps me in great shape, but that's not the main reason I do it. I do it because I love it and I'm compelled to do it - and it happens to be a fabulous fat burner. I also do some resistance training 2-3x per week for my upper body and core(free weights). It feels great. Oh, I also started with a hybrid - I ride a road bike now, mostly. I ride the hybrid when the roads get crappy in the winter. Have tons of fun, eat heathily and it will happen!