Thanks for the replies.

I should add that any kind of road biking is new to me, I was always into mountain biking before falling ill. So I'm on my mnt bike. It's a 7 spd Giant and I'm right smack in the middle of the gears. I'm riding on a short flat path on the coast right now. I'd love to upgrade to a hybrid or relaxed road bike but I really have no idea how my body will hold up so I can't waste money until I'm sure...

I have eyeballed the Specialized Vita Elite online. There are lots of good paths around here and some very active clubs so I'd love to be able to upgrade bikes, be in awesome shape, and participate. It all takes time though...I have no patience! My mind is always way ahead of my body