Thanks for the welcome and advice. Wildhawk, those pics are great and the handlebar bag looks like exactly what I need.

I'm definitely getting panniers. Thus far I've carried a dining canopy, barbecue gear, an electric sander, and three lamps. And I only got the bike last Thursday.

My first weekend was fun. I did ten miles on the level bike path with no problem, but the incline on the Brooklyn Bridge wiped me out. So I have my first goal to work on. Since I live close to the bridge that's easy.

I also did my first riding in traffic today. I'm a little scared, but I chose my route carefully and it went well. Unpredictable pedestrians were my biggest problem, but that's probably bad karma which I richly deserve.

I'm really enjoying reading this forum. Very inspiring and educational. Not sure I'm up for the 100 pushups, though....

Pam