Please share your wisdom with a newbie..

[flash]

Hi Effy!

When I first started riding, I also found it a little tricky to get motivated to head out the door. After a while, I figured out that the problem was not knowing where to go! I sat down with my husband and a few friends, and we mapped out a few good routes for me -- appropriate distance/time, some with hills some without, low traffic. I printed out maps & once I had a plan, it was a lot easier to get out the door and enjoy riding regularly. Now I'm seriously addicted & prefer rides where I get lost. yes .... that's right. I prefer rides where I get lost. There is nothing better than going down a new country road, just to see "where it goes", then exploring more and more new roads from there.

Enjoy your summer of riding! Monica

[effy]

Ms Terra, I'm glad that this thread is helpful for you to. I have gotten so many wonderful ideas and so much encouragement, I really appreciate all the positive words from everyone. Not only does it help me, but it's helping others to.

As for the book " The art of cycling" I will be going to pick it up after work today, if all goes well for me.

I love the feeling of being out on the road and being free. Awesome

Flash as for the mapping idea, I'll try it. I am new to the MN. I have been here for a year and it has been more winter than anything else here, until recently. So I think that may help for me to have an idea of the road before I go out.