So.. Yes I'm a newbie. I rode regularly a few years ago (in another country) and I'm just getting back into it.
I'm going to be getting a new bike either a Trek 7.2 or 7.3 FX (your comments and debates are welcome).
However, here's what I'm looking at as I go out of the front door of the office. If you cant see in the picture very clearly - theres a long steep hill going up thru the top of the mountains.
Now going down isnt necessarily going to be a big problem. In fact - this is about 5 miles of an 8 mile commute. So I figure I can go down to the office and stick my bike in the back of one of the guys work trucks and get a ride back home.
But even downhill - it makes me nervous. You see, the traffic is going an average of 70 mph - often higher than that. In my benefit there is a shoulder the whole way down so perhaps I shouldnt be as nervous about tackling it then I am.
Currently I'm riding to the store and around town every day - not a big problem (Even though its a small town culture were everyone screams 'YOU DONT BELONG ON THE ROAD' -- oh well).
Anyway, just thought I'd share and get some thoughts.

Later