I appreciate all the replies. I guess I have just read so many forums, etc. and everyone seems to ride 30 miles+ with no problem...I suppose I am a little impatient I bought an entry level Trek Lexa. I was riding a GMC Denali until a week ago and got so tired of all the gear problems I decided to buy "a real bike". I believe my bike fits pretty well...the guy at the LBS put a new fork on it because he said I had a short torso. Penny, I am sure the heat probably didn't help...it was around 88 that Saturday here in GA and the humidity always stinks. Also, thanks blueberry for that comment about the hills...that gives me hope lol. The hills on that 25 mile trip were really brutal and everywhere as there wasn't really any pre-planning to my return trip home. Thanks again everyone...I feel a little better now about my *slow* progress!