Hi guys, thanks for the support. Actually I do ride all winter, (and all summer, ugh! That's worse, trust me!) I was considering a trainer because I was told by someone who bikes here locally that a trainer would be a help with doing interval training, which would help get faster, therefore farther... etc... not because of weather, I ride any time during any season here... even middle of the day in the summer (cuz I am crazy). Guess it sounds like I should just keep doing what I am doing... if anything, it might be more useful in the summer, I've been out riding in tropical storms (and once what ended up being an off shore hurricane) that's a reason for a trainer! LOL!

Sounds like joining a group ride would be helpful... I've been meaning to, just always seem to want to go at my own times... better suck it up and get in with the local B.Group. We have a good one here, just never joined, liked being on my own.

Machka, thanks for the URLs, I will check them out! And Valygrl, sorry, gonna stick with the bars for now... I really like using them when I've got a headwind or I feel like a different posture for a while... (and only on the trails, never the street, and I wont in group rides, I promise!) so I'm a leeetle Fredish... at least I don't wear bibs over my jersey huh?

Anyway, thanks again guys you all are super inspiring, and VGrl, you doing your first around my age and going on to do so many is doubly so! I am really nervous and excited, this will be awesome!
Kitty