Thanks again for the info, all!

Okay, a few specific questions.

Many years ago (twenty) I borrowed my son's ten speed thinking I'd like to ride. I was sitting on the seat and just sitting on it hurt. Is that because it's not made for sitting "on" but for leaning forward "from" or something? (Following some of what you've told me.)

One reason I want to ride is because walking is too slow. I begin feeling very agitated and frustrated, and I tend to overheat. When I was younger I would break into a run for short distances just to move faster, but have never been in very good shape, nor have I ever stuck to any kind of exercise for long. (See my user title.) My theory is that if I'm moving faster AND creating a breeze, I'll feel better about it all. Does this make sense or am I kidding myself?

And those of you with heavy periods -- how do you go commando then?