Intro--so excited to find this forum!!

[greyhoundluv]

Welcome!
Does this mean you're aiming to get drop bars? I can't do flat bars at all, they're murder on my wrists.

Biking is so addictive, I hope you get more comfortable on the road! My city really opened up to me when I started biking everywhere.

It is really addictive!!! Yes, I am planning on getting drop bars, hopefully sometime next spring, once I get more comfortable on my Trek and clipless pedals!!

[jlnc]

Welcome Greyhound! My story is similar to yours...I got a Trek 7.5 FX in Feb 2011. At first, I was very nervous riding alone, and usually got off my bike to cross really busy intersections I found some really great beginner groups to ride with and learned a lot about road safety, how to ride in traffic, how to ride in a group, etc. Next year, I want to purchase a road bike too, so I can keep up a bit better on some of the group rides. (I do ok on the FX, but i think the road bike will be more comfortable on 20+ mile rides.) But, I am really glad I started on the FX. I had a lot to learn about the basics, and the FX was probably better for a nervous rider like me to start on. You might be able to find some group rides on meetup.com. (If you are not familiar with it, you just search your area for the activity you want, and can find all kinds of groups.) I found a women's only cycling group that way, and they had beginner rides which helped me so much. Good luck and enjoy your bike!

[greyhoundluv]

Welcome Greyhound! My story is similar to yours...I got a Trek 7.5 FX in Feb 2011. At first, I was very nervous riding alone, and usually got off my bike to cross really busy intersections I found some really great beginner groups to ride with and learned a lot about road safety, how to ride in traffic, how to ride in a group, etc. Next year, I want to purchase a road bike too, so I can keep up a bit better on some of the group rides. (I do ok on the FX, but i think the road bike will be more comfortable on 20+ mile rides.) But, I am really glad I started on the FX. I had a lot to learn about the basics, and the FX was probably better for a nervous rider like me to start on. You might be able to find some group rides on meetup.com. (If you are not familiar with it, you just search your area for the activity you want, and can find all kinds of groups.) I found a women's only cycling group that way, and they had beginner rides which helped me so much. Good luck and enjoy your bike!

Thank you so much, that is great advice. I am going to search meetup.com right now!!!

[jlnc]

Great! Be sure to search on lots of different phrases...Cycling, Biking, Road Cycling, etc...
You may also want to check with your local bike stores for any rides that they sponsor, although rides may be limited in the fall/winter.

[Grits]

Since you go to spin classes regularly, mention to some of the other regulars that you would like to start doing some beginner rides outside. You might find some others who would like to join you.

Welcome to TE!