One of the "problems" I have as a beginner's ride leader is that most people get stronger fairly quickly. Then a real newbie shows up and feels like s/he'll *never* be able to keep up ... and this is the beginner's level!

Everybody's different, but I do think you can get up to the 20 mile goal in a month, especially because in general, you can go two or three times as far for an "event" as what you can do on a "routine" ride.

My " fast bike" is a 7500FX -- older version of your model -- and it's peachy for my Big Long Days - 100+ miles.

Get out here and ride I bet your second solo ride will be easier! Let us know!