No laughing just yahoooooing for you elevenpointfive! Morning rides (especially on a weekday) are one of my favorites! Especially the ones on my favorite country back roads (no traffic)! Birds singing, like you said, beautiful fields of wildflowers, cow pastures, and some awesome backdrops! And oh boy do I remember those sore butt checks and sit bones! But mine are all broken in (thank goodness) and in know time at all so should yours! Don't worry about events right now just get out and ride and build up your body, butt, and distance! And most important . . . just enjoy being on a bike! Summer is ahead of us and I feel it will be a good one!