Hi, Tracy. Welcome to the bicycling life. Are you riding out on the road yet or just in the gym? Not sure where you are in Sacramento. Are you riding the American River Bike Trail?

Our group is riding much longer miles but if you can steadily increase your distance you'll be hanging with us in no time. You only missed our "newbie" ride in Davis by a few weeks.

I always recommend that new riders pick some organized rides (like to Foxy's Fall Century this weekend) as goals. It varies but the shorter distances are usually in the 20-35 mile range. A great goal is the full length of the American River Trail including Beals Point.

Also, have you looked into the two local clubs - the Sacramento Bike Hikers and the Sacramento Wheelmen?

Here are a couple links you might find helpful.
http://www.saccycle.com/
http://www.sacbike.org/