thanks everyone for your kind welcome! its a great feeling, knowing you have support.. i want to get some riding gear but my my it is expensive!! i really am not fond of my legs .. so hopefully after a few more long rides, i will build some lean muscle and not be so intimidated to show them ... all of my family carry weight in the thighs/hips. is it possible to reconstruct your body with the genetics given? i think it possible, but a struggle nonetheless.