I started riding as a hobby when I got divorced and was able to move to the same town where I work instead of spending 1.5 hrs a day commuting. I rode by myself alot. finally a girl from work who knew what she was doing told me about lycra bike shorts. Later that year, she told me about a local "metric century" ride - I finally trained up to doing 30 mile rides (by myself still!). I did the whole ride and cried so hard going up the climb to the finish that I almost couldn't breathe. It was a rite of passage for me to becoming whole after my divorce, such a huge accomplishment doing that metric century all on my own! Later that year I did a 3 day ride for the Lung Association and met a great friend there, through whom I eventually met my husband! (of course, he dated her first when we both met him on a ride, but that's another story!) I recommend joining cycling clubs and charitable rides (MS, American Lung,Leukemia,etc). Cycling is a very social sport once you get into it. I dated 2 cyclists I met just by saying "hi" and smiling as I rode by! And my best girlfriends are women I've met through cycling too! The people at your local bike shops may be able to recommend a group in your area that has a regular weekly ride that would match your skills and interests. Hang in there! I'm glad you're planning on moving forward with your love of cycling - that's good place to start! tokie