Thanks everyone for the very warm welcomes. I am really excited about becoming more serious about cycling and really getting into it more.

I have decided that I am going to ride in the Seagull Century bike ride here on the Eastern Shore in October. I haven't decided if I will attempt the 100 mile or the smaller rides they have. I have 4 months to train for it and it will give me something to shot for.

I have been a bit lazy in my eating the past few weeks and feeling a bit puffy, so this will get me motivated and working hard again. After going a year without cheating or eating ANY bad foods, I kind of snapped for a few weeks here and had a bit of a binge-fest on some healthy and a few not so healthy foods I need to get my head back in the game and knuckle down. Training for the ride will give me added motivation to do that.

I have been told by a few people that I should have a road bike for this ride, or at least road bike tires for my Hybrid. How important is this? I just bought the Hybrid and can't really afford another bike so soon after. I did go out today and buy a magnetic trainer so I can ride indoors (since all we seem to be getting is rain for the past week or more). This way I can start a good training program (as soon as I find one).

Any ideas for beginning a good solid training program would be greatly appreciated. I know what I should do diet wise (I generally eat pretty clean, 5 meals a day, protein/carbs at each meal..with the exception of my few weeks of craziness here lately, which I think has to do with depriving myself for so long). Anyway...thanks again for the welcomes. I look forward to talking with you all and learning all I can.

Kerry