Martha...I am in Parsonsburg Maryland (just outside of Salisbury). I will definately check out the group and the local rides you mentioned. The one is starting at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore (which is the school I will be attending in the fall. I am going back to college at the tender age of 43 to finally get a degree..majoring in Dietitics/Nutrition, I can't wait!)

Thanks for the advice everyone on computers. I think I will probably just focus on time when I am using the trainer, at least for now.

Tonight I did my longest ride to date (11 miles...not very long I know, but I have only been at this for a few weeks). Anyway, I noticed that my butt was a bit sore and my "girlybits" were kind of numb during the last few miles. I had raised the seat somewhat today and I may have put it up to high. When sitting on the bike only the tip of my toe touches the ground, is this to high? The LBS guy told me I should only have a slight bend in the leg when the leg is completely down, so I adjusted it to that advice. But when I stop I basically have to hop off the bike.

I got a book from the Library called Cycling For Health and Fitness by Bicycling Magazine. In it it talks about for optimum workout don't ride in the highest gear, go lighter and increase the cadence. So today I rode in a lower gear (I had been riding in the highest gear the bike went to) and I felt like I got a better workout and was able to go farther with less fatigue. Am I on the right track with this? Unfortunately we don't have any hills here so I will never be able to get that kind of workout unless I leave the area. I want to get the most from my rides that I can but I don't want to kill myself just yet.

Kerry