Oh I love it!! Thank you for so many responses.... so it seems that I need more space for MORE BIKES, eh!! LOL!

How do you store your multiple bikes in an orderly way? Our garage is pretty full and with having just bought the trail-a-bike (with plans to buy one more so we can all go riding as a family) I saw my husbands eyes flicker in fear as to the dwindling amount of garage space available. I think getting another bike might through him over the edge so this will need to be handled with care on my end!! Or I can just get rid of my old mountain bike that I used to get to and from classes in college but only took out once or twice on real technical trails (an A2R Baracuda)
and call it an even switch (or just use *this one* for riding around with the family - though it's heavy.... and wait a bit to buy a new one)! LOL!

After reading the responses I know now to ask the LBS about:

1) a different pedal (or go back to my toe clips) - they recommend Look KEO Easy Pedals and I bought Shimano road shoes (the ones on the bottom in this photo - the top ones were bought for spinning class - one pair would have been nicer for both - maybe I have sucker on my forehead? I need to spend more time here so I can walk in KNOWING what I need!).


2) if I stay with clipless pedals then I will try out different shoes (I bought the cycling shoes a little more than a week ago and have tried them only on my indoor trainer - though there's a bit of grease on the right shoe from rubbing against the chain when clipping out, grrrr! so I'm not sure if I can clean them up or if they will take them back). I use orthotics which fit nicely in both shoes above but will ask about metatarsal buttons if I stick with cycling shoes. I love the look of the Sidi's but I've heard they run narrow. I will have to check out another bike shop in my area to see if they have some to try. The one I went to didn't have the Dominator.

Oh and I have a Burley double-seater trailer that I never thought about using for touring. Duh! What a great idea since it's something that I already own. And just when I was thinking about selling it because the kids have pretty much outgrown it (the older one size-wise; and the younger one patience-wise - he'd much rather be pedaling along too). You all rock!

I love the enthusiasm and the enabling environment here!! Thanks for welcoming a newbie! I already feel right at home!