Hi Weesara, and welcome to the forum. I've found it a very supportive environment that has certainly helped me get more serious about biking. I have the impression that there are a few semi-official "greeters" out there who tend to be the first to welcome newbies. They'll be with you soon, and will be far better than I (another newbie) at answering your questions. Meanwhile, you might want to visit the "Getting to know you" thread and introduce yourself.

I'll give a stab at the turning question though, if only as a kind of exam. If I get it wrong, my sister (Trek420, and a much better biker than I) will be on here pdq to correct me.

Now if I remember this right ... put your outside foot downwards, putting some weight into that outside crank, and if the curve is really tight, point your inside knee into it. Am I remembering that right Trek?

As for gears and cadence, I wouldn't really know, but I'd say you're doing ok. You are making it up those hills! (I tend to give up and walk.) And your average speed isn't too bad either for a hilly route. I'm envious. I'm also envious that you're out there riding today. I'm back here in Wisconsin; it's pouring rain, thunderstorm, so not biking weather!