Lunita -- you've already done the smartest thing. You're here asking for help. And that's the smartest thing you could EVER do.

Read, and you'll find people who are heavier/older/shyer than you -- or were, and now aren't (which is REALLY inspirational, although if you find someone older who is now younger, you might want to check their ID, ahem).

I had a friend who wrote about her new riding habits on her blog, and it inspired me. I came here and started reading, and was inspired. If I thought it was too hot to ride, somebody in AZ posted that they waited for it to cool down to 105 before they rode.

If I thought it too cold, I read a blog about a guy in Alaska who rode in the winter, too.

I found out of shape people to read about. All kinds of people.

And I just finally decided, I can do this.

When I got on the bike it was SO FUN I suddenly lost a lot of my concerns. But even more than that, I began feeling like a (middle-aged, overweight) jock. Fell off my bike, got back on and kept riding. Wore my cycling clothes into the grocery store even though they are NOT flattering. Slathered on sunscreen and skipped makeup.

Because, you see, I'm a jock. (wink)

You've come to the right place. Now, just do it!