Lynne- Spinning will allow you to go further without getting tired. When I first started cycling about 1 1/2 yrs ago, I used to follow someone and try to match their cadence. It took concentration and lots of effort on my part, but it has paid off in the end! The most important part of spinning is to be consistent which means gearing down when you approach a hill so that you can, if possible, keep the same cadence going up as you had on the flats. (This isn't always possible, but gearing down BEFORE the big rise will help!)

My advice to you, watch the women who have been riding awhile and copy what they do. Assuming you will be able to keep up, get behind someone going your speed and shift down when they do, shift up when they do, etc. You don't need to follow closely, just close enough to figure out what they are doing.

Ask for coaching on this subject. Your womenfriends will happily work with you- we all started from the same place-so we all know what it's like for you!

Have fun, and let us know how it goes for you! Sounds like a nice ride, as well. Take food and drink lots!

Now, since I used to live up your way, where are you going? What a great place to ride! I'll be coming up to do the Seattle/Portland ride in July (Hill Slug is coming too with her Team in Training group). We should plan a meeting!!! You can send me a private message if you want.