I've started cycling in January of this year. Mostly to loose some weight and because I love to be outside. My plan was to only ride as a commute to work and back (19 mile round trip) of which I am doing 4 times a week. I have an old Italian Steel road bike called a Bertoni.

Fast forward to today. I've lost 20lbs or so (279 to 258 as of last night) and in doing so have totally become addicted to cycling. I know I am still a beginner but I have put some good miles on my bike (albeit the same route everyday).

What I want to do... I would like to be able to work toward a century. The town I live in has an organized century twice a year (March and October). I know I have a long way to go and weight to loose, but this is something that I would like to do. My goal is to be ready to ride the event in March of 2010 as the October ride seems a bit out of reach.

Why I am posting this... I don't have anyone in my circle of life that has anything to do with cycling. So besides the people down and the local bike shop, I don't know anyone else that rides. In order to complete my goal I think I would like to purchase a new bike (thinking about a Specialized Allez), as my existing bike, while fabulous at getting me to work and back, is not something I want to be on for hours at a time. I am sure It does not fit as it should. I am thinking I need to have my weight down to the 220 range by then.

My question is: Currently I am not doing anything outside of my daily commute as far as training. I am not willing to stop commuting and replace it with an after work riding program as that cuts into my family time in which I am not willing to do. However, I would like to start riding on Saturday (early) mornings. What sort of program would you recommend? Is it doable within the March 2010 time frame?

As a side note, I am very thankful for this board as it is a wealth of knowledge to beginners.