I have an older brother who decided he wanted a bike. We took him to a LBS and got him rigged up with a carbon Giant. He lives in Tampa but goes to our mom's every week in Ocala. First time on the bike he decides to take a tour down a very busy highway near Ocala airport. Well, I used to teach horseback riding and always told the kids to "look where you want to go". This applies here because after a light rain, bro rode on the painted strip on the road, very slick. He started to loose his back wheel and looked to the gutter for support. Yes, his maiden voyage resulted in a downhill 25 mph skid into the gutter. Fortunately only a little road rash and the bike is okay. The next day he put a little sticker on the bike, G2. Stands for "gutter girl". Just remember we are laughing with you and not at you. One day it will all seem funny. Happy riding.