I am totally new to all of this! But it is all so exciting! My husband has ridden for years - even raced when he was in college. I really sat down and watched the Tour this year and just decided it was time to try it. Plus we went on a cruise about a year ago and the average age was about 80. It was a life changing event. Seeing all of these old decrepid people that could barely support their own weight, hobbling around, looking like they'd rather be dead than still living. NO WAY do I want to age like that! Made me see that I needed to start doing things now in my 30's to make sure I don't end up like that!

I'm just riding for fitness, but it is so much fun! I got a new bike - my first ever - and it makes things so much easier! We're doing about 6 miles every night after work and then doing 15 miles on Saturday and Sunday. I'm trying to work up to 25 miles. We're doing a ride on 9/18 to benefit the LAF. I'm only going to do the 25 this year, but maybe by next year I could do the 50 or the 100.

I'm so glad to have found this site! I only have my husband's input - and it just doesn't help with some of the female specific issues! I was so glad there was a woman working in the LBS when I got my bike - she was so helpful!

I have a ton of questions - but I'll spend more time looking for existing threads before I ask them!

Great to be here!