Introductions - Hi from Largo FL!

Hi guys! My name is Carl and I am from Largo, FL. I've never ridden seriously, but dabbled in mountain bikes for a few years. Lately I have been doing a lot of running, and would like to branch off into some more biking for a little more of a fun aspect. I'd like to get some opinions on some different bikes too, because since there aren't a lot of trails immediately close to me, I've been giving some serious thought to getting an entry level road bike to tool around with. Glad to be here!

Welcome Carl to BikeForums.
The new road bikes are fast and fun.

Carl, you have lots of options for riding in your area once you start looking. There are a few trails if you feel more comfortable there, than on the roads, like the Upper Tampa Trail or Suncoast Trail. You have one of the largest organized groups in FL, the St. Pete Bike Club doing a ride every Saturday. I'm doing this one tomorrow. Or go to meetup.com and search for cycling and see several other groups to choose from. Plenty of choices and the best way to get up to speed quickly once you find a bike. And make sure you it fits you well.

Thanks for the welcome guys. I started with a LBS's ride, and I'm trying to get better an better. I'm still running every morning, and I'm trying to work in 3-4 days of riding each week. I think that this is the week I'm going to check out the St. Pete Bicycle Club.

I'd like to find/put together a group ride out of Central Pinellas on the trail that would be about 25 miles long on Tuesday and Thursday evenings... I think the key is to just get out and meet as many people that ride as possible, so I always have someone to call and convince to come out with me.