Hi Nola Gal, welcome aboard. Glad to see you're riding. I brought one of my bikes with me when I was back home about 3 years ago for my sister's wedding and I really felt like the Lone Ranger. Even riding the Lakefront on Sunday I hardly saw another cyclist. I rode with Crescent City Cyclists back in the 90's before I moved to Colorado and they were a good group if that's who you're riding with (I'm guessing you aren't riding with NOBC). I would not do anything to the bike beyond maintenance items and getting the fit right which it sounds like you are already taking care of. I like Pastor Bob's suggestion of changing out the freewheel. I rode a 13-21 for years until I moved here (OMG was that a rude awakening. Now I ride a 13-28 or lower ) though you might want something a little lower if you're riding north of the lake where there are a few hills. My '88 Panasonic has 27" wheels and they work just fine as does the old Shimano 6-speed index shifting. No pressing need to upgrade. Just tune it up and enjoy the ride.