I have been lurking about here for quite a while - I LOVE this place!!

My biking "story" has evolved over the last few months. Where I am now is I finally got a road bike that fits my 5' 0" self (though "tweaking" continues). It is old (but kind of cool). I have updated the shifters, and it is more than adequate for right now. I have gotten some bike shorts and even some shoes, though I haven't yet bought the clipless pedals.

I had been riding my Giant Sedona comfort bike on the park bike path for a while, going anywhere from 3 to 8 miles at a time. I wasn't happy with that and thought what I really needed was a road bike - I wanted to go faster and be free of the twisting and turning and congestion of people, dogs, etc. on the path. My first time out with the road bike, I rode some rolling hills and was only able to go about 5 miles - it was hot and windy too! I thought if I could just ride where it was flat, I could rack up some miles and work up to the hills. So, I figured out a place that I could drive to and then ride on a flatter road. I did that yesterday morning and rode 17 miles, and all the way back was into the wind. Distance-wise, I know I am doing ok for an out of shape 48yo.

What I'm feeling discouraged about is that I want SO much to fall in love with riding, but I'm just not feelin' the love!! I do feel pretty good when I get home. My kids tell me they are proud of me, and I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I am not getting the 'thrill of the ride' part. And that makes it harder to get back out there, and not going back out there makes me feel guilty for spending the money I have spent.

I keep thinking if I buy or do or adjust or replace just one more thing, it's all going to come together. But that hasn't happened, and I read of other women on here who catch the fever while riding a 40 lb. walmart bike in jean shorts!!

So I guess I want to know this: Is there anyone else out there who didn't fall in love with riding immediately? Is there still a chance it could happen? Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of it happening for me?