Hi Emptynester!

Sounds like Santa needs to bring you some good cycling stuff for Christmas. Ok, let's start with the bike. Riding a good bike that fits you is worth it's weight in gold. Trying to fit a bike to you that is not your size will only frustrate you in the end and could squelch your desire to ride. So get measured at your local bike shop and test ride bikes, or see if you actually fit the hand me down bike.

Next, find a nice flat area with little traffic to ride. Personally, I like state parks. Traffic is very light, the roads and trails are excellent, and it's generally not crowded. Take a spin out there until you build your confidence on the bike. Don't let the hills intimidate you. If you can't make it up the hill, walk. We've all done that. I still do it on occasion.

Gear--get a good pair of tights and/or bike shorts, shoes and gloves. A helmet can be purchased for about $30 or so at Target or Wally world and have the same safety rating as the higher priced helmet. You can get by with regular wicking tees and jackets until you know you are definitely hooked on cycling. Then call Susan Otcenas here at Team Estrogen store and chat with her. She is so very helpful in recommending clothing.

And finally, don't put so much pressure on yourself to get it right the first time. It took me about 3 months to get into the groove of cycling.