BigBlue you are so lucky to live and teach in SLO. I absolutely love SLO. My uncle had his law firm their before he passed. I have wanted to live/teach there for some time. Granted the cost of living is high for teacher's salary, but it is an amazing place. There is a tasty restaurant on the river across from the old mission that has the best salads and sandwiches. Also, what a great home base for being a bike enthusiast. If this miserable economy every turns itself around and districts start hiring again, SLO is one of the places I want to relocate to. I don't like SoCal. Other contenders for me are Sonoma County, Santa Cruz, or anywhere outside of San Francisco in the Bay Area that is less congested, but still cool (temp wise).

As far as the other posters, they may not be fully understanding the shape one needs to be in. "Just get out and start." Sure that works if you can ride for 30+ miles already. However, let's say you are done at 10? Then you really can't just get out and go. Riding 3 miles (one way) to work or doing 10 miles on the weekend is a far cry from a week of 40+ per day with hills and gear. On the other hand, I am encouraged that I do not have to be Lance Armstrong and can be a regular rider and be able to do it.