Newbie wannabe

[CyborgQueen]

Another thing you can check out first is go check for Spinning Classes. There's often a group of Spinners that converted to road bikes or they do both. Spinning class is a nice way to get you to learn what's riding is all about. At least you won't be spending hundreds of dollars on a new bike and find out you don't like it.

I have not yet tried Spinning classes, but I've heard they're great!

It took me over a year to get the courage to get my butt moving and start meeting people and rides. It's becoming so much fun! You'll be surprised on how much more confident you will be.

Have your daughter join you if she wants.

[mayanorange]

I haven't been riding too much the last couple weeks after the MS150. We could meet up on a saturday at some point- send me a private msg.

You also might want to check out massbike.org- they have some good bike safety classes that are good starter classes for getting used to the road again.

I've heard good things about Cycle Loft in Burlington, but other than that don't know shops up your direction. You should probably be looking at something like a less aggressive road bike- something like a Jamis Aurora is popular for the kind of riding you're talking about. A good shop should be able to help you figure out what kind of bike would be best and they should provide a full fitting as a part of the purchase. There's lots of threads on first bike hunting. I unfortunately didn't find this place until I already bought, but happened to get a bike close enough to the right size that I could modify the fit and get where I belong.

[Crankin]

I second Cycle Loft. They are big enough to provide you with a lot of choice. There is an OK shop in Chelmsford, on Rt. 110, but it's small.

You should check out Bike Rides for Ordinary People... the leader, Bruce does rides at a very moderate pace. Most are closer to Boston, though. Also, AMC has "easier" level rides on Tuesday nights through the summer. They leave from various points in the western suburbs each week. Check out www.outdoors.org, go to the Boston chapter and then click on bicycling.