Congratulations, TahoeChick, for starting to ride. You're going to be great.

One thing about your post and latelatebloomer's post made me smile. This weekend, I did my first tri. And you know what? I got passed by a bunch of women who were bigger than me. No lie. Just goes to show that big girls can kick the skinny ones' butts!

As for plus sized stuff, I saw there are plus sized shorts on the TE site, made by Terry ( http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=1342 ) and also the Terry Commuter Skort, which is super cute ( http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=9254 ). They're expensive, but hey, you only need one for now. Just wash and wear again.

Good luck!