I'm New :-)

[dex]

I think my new bike's really helped me to motivate me to go fast. It's way too much fun

That's awesome. Going fast on a bike is always much with the fun.

However, keep in mind that the road is a more appropriate place than the trail for faster speeds. As the weather gets nicer, the trails are going to become more crowded with walkers, people with pets, mothers with strollers and small children, and those out for slow leisurely rides in the sun. Riding a bike fast around that kind of slow-moving (and sometimes unpredictable) traffic is frustrating and less than safe, for everyone.

I understand the road trepidation/nervousness, but if speed is one of your big sources of bike joy, you'll probably be much happier getting off the trail and out on the road.

[athena]

Oh definitely, dex! I think I might go out of the city a little to find some quieter roads, at first. I noticed you're in Seattle... do you have any suggestions, by chance? I'm in the Seattle area most of the time, but on the east-side a lot too.