LBS I understood. REI?

The store out by Nick does offer classes and most likely I'll make the trek there during a week or weekend when I'm staying with him.
I don't like owning something that I can't take care of. Just like when I bought my first car, buying a first 'real' bike will include me learning how to do basic maintenance BEFORE i become involved in riding a lot. Otherwise it'd be inane to become an independent rider without that knowledge, right?