Also... I have a plan to measure my progress:
Go up the long busy street in the lowest comfortable gear as comfortably fast as I can, and gradually increase the gear as I get stronger, and measure my time at least once a week (depending on how often I can get out and ride). This will give me something to aim for and motivation to go out. I am not competitive with others, but I am with myself.
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Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker