Thanks, Steph -- that's what I was thinking, that this sounded like a relaxed ride. But Austin is very hilly. I notice that the claim the routes are all fairly level, but I'm sure there are bound to be some challenges there.

When I read that if you ride the 40 mile you get a meal at one of the rest stops, it just seemed like that would make it more fun, plus build in a nice break.

I've been to the Richardson Bike Mart on Garland Rd. -- I wonder if they have beginner rides. Maybe they do, being so close to the lake. If not, I'll check with the Richardson location.

I never gave it much thought until earlier today when I was reading some sites and it began to sink in that riding in a group is really not the same as riding alone or in pairs. (Duh.)

I hope to get my bike computer on my bike so I can know things like how fast I ride. Right now I have no idea. I know that the idea of riding <i>really</i> fast scares me -- I don't know if I'll get over that or not.