Hi Denise,

I'm a fairly new rider too. I started on the bike paths and would only ride with some one. This year, riding has gotten a bit more serious for me and I joined a club and learned to ride in a group on the roads. I even started to wear spandex bike shorts with the group! Its only been the past month or two that I've been able to go out my door and ride around my own town by myself. The first time I did it, I was very self conscious but I did it and even made it back up my hill on my bike. Last night was a big breakthrough for me, I went out my door and did my town ride in my bike shorts! I'm over 50 and 50# over weight so I don't have a sleek, athletic looking body. I felt wierd at first but I'm over it and going out again tonight - in spandex.

The first time is the hardest. After that - you'll be good to go!

Good luck,
Patty