Yesterday, I was finally able to ride my bike--after a very long hiatus. I'm 99% healed from my surgery, and my doctor gave me her blessing--although, I have to use an ankle brace for support since my bike has clipless pedals. I only rode ten miles, as I knew I needed to gain both confidence as well as fitness. I've scheduled myself to ride every other day, as I'm older now and I want to ensure I don't backslide from doing too much too soon, until I can get my mileage up--as well as fitness. I know recovery takes a bit longer than when I was younger. My goal is to do a century in the spring--as well as touring with a commercial group so I won't have to carry any gear/clothing. Although I'm riding a flat bar road bike (aka hybrid with road components and geometry), after the holidays I'll be seriously looking for a true road bike. I'm interested in both the Specialized Ruby and the Trek Silque--which I'll test ride. Does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts on the Silque? I think this is a new model in the Trek line of women's bikes, but I'm not certain. Anyhow, although it was only ten miles--it was a fantastic ten miles!