notsosporty aka nowsosporty: you might have either your BF or your LBS look and see if there is a screw (or look yourself) on the back side of the brake that will allow you to adjust the brake levers in closer to your hands. Or the shims that they were talking about. All you need to do is bring the levers in closer and it should help the reach.
and Yipppeeee on your first long ride! goodonya hun!
muuuuahhhhhhaaahahaha...we've hooked another one ladies!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"