Thanks loads for all the suggestions. I managed to get on and off this morning without killing myself, looking like the idiot I am, or damaging the bike. While I am still getting used to it (and it to me!!), I am restricting my riding to just my neighborhood. Not all that much room, but not all that much traffic either.

This morning I did thirty-one minutes with an average speed of 12.4 mph and a max of 17.7 mph for a distance of 6.49 miles. The speeds are a whole lot better, even in this little area I'm riding in, and that is more distance than I have ever covered in thirty minutes.

Do y'all get the feeling I'm tickled pink with my new bike? I will be working up to getting out on the road and doing some serious distances. Not to interested in top speed right now as I feel the speed will come as I get in better shape.