I'm not a big poster, mostly reader, and a newbie to biking again. I've been on again, off again riding for the past year or so. Doing most of my riding the past 5 months. This past weekend I rolled over 160 miles on my bike, which I was really excited about. And for the first time I rode a 10 mile route my husband and I do, and climbed out of the saddle for all the (small) hills. I'm carrying around about 90lbs extra on my body right now. The past few weekends, I've been doing 8, 8 and 10 mile bike rides. Which amazes me since a year ago, doing 2 miles of flat and I was dying.

I'm going to try to get as much riding in as possible before it gets too cold. Although I love snow, so the thought of riding in the snow is tempting.

Here's my questions:

• I picked up a Magneto Trainer for my bike, I have a pair of Specialized Hemisphere tires, not a complete slick but much smoother than my knobby mountain bike tires. I have a Trek 4300. Should I look into a thinner tire and tube for my mtn bike? Is this a crazy idea to want to use my mtn bike with a trainer for the winter?

• Also, I read somewhere else that the brake levers are adjustable, as far as pulling them in closer. I'm only 5" tall and have small hands. Is that possible, should I bring my bike to my LBS to have them do this?

• One more question, I promise. I had also read somewhere (can't remember), that the seat should be inline with handlebars. Is this always the case? My seat is probably still about 1-2 inches shorter than my handlebars.

I really enjoy reading everyone's stories and advice. It keeps me inspired and helps me get back on track.

I love the riding, it's the only thing I really look forward to and will drop everything else to go do. My family has never seen me so determined to do anything.

Thanks again - Diana