Thanks, rm -rf, & Dave, you've given me some things to consider.

To clarify a couple things, I'm not a group rider, or at least I don't see myself as one. I like the solitude of a quiet Weekend morning ride before anyone is up. I should've been a paperboy. Or a late summer afternoon/early evening, maybe around 8:00. I missed a good opportunity tonight. I am considering a pure road bike, Trek's Domane line appealed to me but seemed a little pricey. I'll give them all a hard look.


Dave, I've always enjoyed cycling, but didn't always have safe places to ride like I do now. I've lived in three different houses on the same street corner in a tiny rural town since 1967. The town has now grown, and what used to be dirt roads and soybean/cotton fields are now upscale neighborhoods with smooth streets. I can ride ten miles without ever getting more than one mile from home. You nailed it when you said I should find that one activity that I love that gets my heart pumping and my body soaked in sweat. I think cycling is it. The only reason I said I wanted to fall in love with a bike is that would give me more motivation to climb on and go for a ride. I may be able to find that bike for under $500.

We have the foot problem in common, too. That's what took me off of the golf course. I'm back to normal now, but walking 7 hilly miles twice a week is not an option for me anymore. Cart golf bores me.