This is why for now I'm content to do my measely 1.2 miles in the comfort of my own neighborhood, lol. I do look forward to longer rides - but now that I actually OWN a bike, I realize I was a touch optimistic when I was mapping out the glorious 6-8 mile rides I'd take once I was a bike owner.

I can easily see myself in this situation, though - as a car driver, I stuck to the roads I NEEDED to use to get from point A to point B - very rarely deviating. I think that's one way I'm different now than i was when I was a kid - when I was young, I'd drive just to drive.

That feeling is slowly re-awakening with me, though, as I ride my bike. I find myself paying attention not only to what lies immediately in front of me, but also what's on the sides. The houses, the driveways, etc.

But I know (almost for certain) that if I were to go on the local bike club's beginner ride, I'd be dropped. I just don't have the stamina for the uphills yet, and once I was dropped I'd be lost, lol.