It helps so much to hear the advice and experience of those doing it longer than me. Good to know that we all have our nemesis hills and I love the idea that "if I get up the hill and am still upright, it's a good day!" BleekerSt - sounds like we have the same athletic background (none) and it reassures me to hear about your progress!

This morning I rode solo for the first time (I always ride with my husband, who rides at 14-15 MPH). But he had a dentist appt this morning, and I wanted to ride, so I did 20 miles on my own. It felt awesome to just ride at my own pace, with no stress that he was "waiting up ahead for me." I wasn't trying to hustle, but ended up clocking 10.5 MPH.

More important than that it just felt good to be out there, just me and my bike.