Quote Originally Posted by Starfish View Post
Also, I don't know your particular temperament...for me, I have a whole helluva lot more fun once I get a little more competent. I don't enjoy feeling like I don't know what I'm doing, or feeling like I'm unfit at something. I enjoy things more the better I get. Same for biking, for me. I just keep having more and more fun as I get more skills and confidence.
Yes, yes, yes, Starfish, this is SO who I am as well! Throw in the fact that I am "ready to begin" right at a time when temps have been consistently in the high 90's and low 100's with very high humidity AND that my girls' soccer season is starting, which means practice 3-4 nights a week and games on both Saturday and Sunday - that's a lot of things going against me having a spectacular start.

Thanks for all of the comments. I have also thought that a riding buddy would be good to have. I have checked the group rides of the local LBS, and the only "beginner" ride I would qualify for is on the bike path, and I really am not a fan of that. I might do it anyway this week, because at least it is time in the saddle that will help with my conditioning, right? I don't think I am ready yet for any of the road rides they have, as they are at least 20 miles in the same area where I only managed 5 last Thursday night, but I am looking forward to being able to try that.

My 12yo daughter might be a willing partner, as she has done lots of bike path and neighborhood rides with me, but I have several problems to work out with that idea. Her bike is just too heavy to keep up on the road, and I am very concerned about the safety aspect in taking her out on roads with cars and trucks zooming by. Also, my 10 yo is so NOT interested. She doesn't even like to go with us on the bike path. I can understand how hard it is for her with her 20" wheels, but she is so tiny (46" tall with short legs and less than 50 lbs), she just can't handle a larger bike yet. I guess I really don't want to involve my 12 yo and leave my little one out (and home alone).

I need to go to the LBS to get a bike box for a bike I am going to put on ebay. I think I will ask them if they know of another female newbie who might be interested in riding together. I am also going to think about places I could go early in the morning on weekends that might be fun. I might even get my courage up to ask one of my co-workers. There are two gals who are at least 10 years younger than me who ride together sometimes, although I know they go much further and faster than I can. I'm not ready to give up yet.