Wow -- this is great. Thanks so much for all your replies.

Catriona, I do know how to change my tires, but I don't keep the supplies with me. I need to do that. I also haven't had enough exposure to hands on tasks with my bike to feel really confident. But I really like your suggestion - esp riding from metro stations. Though, I'm not entirely comfortable riding on the road by myself....ahh!

MDHillSlug - that's what I feared!

owlice - for sure I aspire to ride the Seagull Century this fall - that's the goal, now to find the path to get there.

pfunk12 - gosh, that warms my heart to hear. I have no idea if I can do it, but the thought of giving up my bike out of boredom makes me very sad. It's a JOY to ride.
After reading ny rider's post, is there some sort of baseline that I should train towards before trying that ride? It's ideal because that group rides every week.

nybiker - thanks! I will act on your suggestion. I'll aim for the April ride (family in town so we'll see). But it's a good way for me to get an idea of what a group ride is like and have goals to work toward.

Gosh - I'm so glad that I found this forum!