Jeff from Massachusetts, totally new to cycling!
 

Hello to whomever is reading this!
I'm 31 years old and new to cycling. I am hoping at first just to have fun and lose some weight and eventually to become involved in group rides and amateur competition. I have been and EMT for 7 years and I am soon to become a paramedic. I have a wife and two children but sadly, no dogs. I am in the research phase and currently awaiting my tax return so that I may buy my first bike! It will probably be a trek in the 1.1 or 1.2 range unless some of you on this forum or a tech at the bike shop steer me differently!

Hello Jeff, Welcome to Bike Forums.
A friendly local bike shop is the best way to start with a new bike.
Look around ask questions, take some test rides.
Get the bike that talks to you.

For used bikes Craigslist or thrift stores are great places to look.

thanks!