A storm is rolling in, so I may get cut off -

You are awesome - planning and dreaming!
I've spoken with road riders at work but other than riding my old mountain bike (a Schwinn Mesa GSX) on the road with my DH (well, OK off-road also), I haven't gotten as far as planning a road bike purchase/ride. There are groups that ride every afternoon here in hot humid dangerous Central FL - but I'm super intimidated. I haven't been on a road bike in over 12 years. I'm not a yuppie. I'm afraid of getting hit by the mirror of a big truck. Excuses, I know . . .

I'm also returning to riding after a long break. I look forward to reading about your adventures!

Keep looking, there are so many used bikes for sale and sometimes just as you've about given up - something perfect appears.