Hey thanks ChillyWilly Welcome to TE! I love it here and know you will too!

Yeah I think the middle ring worked well for me last time I rode. I like your idea of finding a gear you can ride in all day. I'll have to get more practice and find that gear

I read about your mtb experience on the 40 and up thread (I'm in that group to) and am very impressed. Congrats on your first road bike too!