Thanks everyone! I guess what I want to be is just fast and able to stomp up hills. I'll work on distance as I go along- just wondering the quickest way to get fast. The road I live on is about 2 miles long with no stops and virtually no traffic. I figure I'll start timing myself on that every couple of weeks to see my progress. As I get stronger I'll find a longer stretch for a time trial... I'll definately go get some books; I never thought of that. My goal for now is to be able to "hang" on 30-40 mile moderate/fast group rides. I guess it will just take time.