Welcome! I just got a new bike myself and am getting back into riding after YEARS of not riding. I had a bike all that time - a Hybrid, but it was just a hair too large for me so I didn't like riding it. Sold it to a taller friend and picked up a Specialized Dolce for myself. Fortunately, I live just a few minutes away from the Sammamish River Trail which is a great place in the Seattle area (connect to the Burke Gilman Trail) for a nice flat ride. I took her out for my innaugeral ride the other day - 10 miles. Like I said though - flat trail, no traffic and we sure don't have a heat problem up here! Hopefully DH and I can go out together this weekend before he heads out of town for a week! Have fun!