Hi Melodylynn, I'm new to cycling too. My husband has been riding/racing for a few years. I had always been active but 3 years ago I had a traumatic experience and I didn't handle it very well. I ended up in the hospital then became a recluse for the next few years. I saw all the fun my husband was having with his biking and was actually jealous. So one day I got on a mountain bike I had from years back. I rode that around "the block" struggling the first few weeks. My husband would ride with me a few times a week then go on his normal ride by himself. Slowly I got better and better, then my husband took me out and bought me a road bike. WOW, what an increase in speed! I believe from using the heavier bike I built up more strength. Also I finally got clipless pedals as well. When I ride with my husband now, we go about 18mph (slow for him but a work-out for me). He's pretty good about not dropping me, he will turn his head around every so often to make sure I'm still there. I usually ride about 15mph on my solo ride which keeps me in a good heart rate zone. Riding with him makes me work harder and I'm glad to have someone to push me. I've only been riding for about 6 months now but it's done wonders for me emotionally and physically. I plan on going on my first group ride soon, but still a little nervous about it.

I don't know enough to make suggestions on road bikes, but I have bought some of my riding clothes off of ebay. I would go to your LBS and try on some of the clothing there first to know your sizes in different brands.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding. Good luck on dropping the extra weight. I think you are right about cycling being the key to help you drop it.