I really suck at this but here goes...

Ellen you look great. My hubby just got a new Trek and he is loving it. Years back he was an avid rider. He has type 2 diabetes and high BP as well as high cholesterol. He has had a stent put in his heart too. I am all for him riding. He told me today that he wants to participate in the 100 mile ride in October. I told him go for it.. He wants bike jerseys and other stuff too. Do you know any reasonable places to shop? Keep up the good work..

                                                                                                    Julie

I really like the cycling clothes at REI.  Huge selection - some high end Pearl Izumi but also their house brand which I really like.  My son is in the 2nd pic with me - he is weraing a real cycling jersey and real padded shorts.  HE LOOKS ADORABLE with his skinny legs sticking out of those lycra shorts!!!!

Hi Ellen - Wow, looking good is right!  Since you are obviously an avid biker, mind If I ask a question?  I used to have a old-fashioned one speed "touring' bike but I stopped riding when it became too uncomfortbale due to all the weight!  The stationary bike I have at home has a nice comfy big padded seat.  Is there such a thing for a road-worthy bike?  Also, can I get into a reasonably lightweight road-worthy bike for less than $400 or $500?  I definitey do not want to do any off road stuff - if I am on a trail, I'll be hiking, LOL.  Thanks - and again, you look great, keep up the EXCELLENT work.

Cheerios!
Mare

Absolutely - yes to all of the above.  I have a real "road" bike - skinny tires, lightweight, more than $2K etc... but change out the seat for my big butt.  Damn, my SERFAS seat probably weighs more than the whole damn bike.  TREK does a really good job on making lower end good bikes.  Can you spend under $200 and get a good bike - no.  But there are really good TREKS that would be great on the NCR trail for instance...like a TREK 7.1 that you can find for $400.  If you live in Lutherville go check out REI or the shop at the corner of Warren and York.  
I'll be glad to help if you are really serious about it. 

Thanks Ellen!  I will definitely give it a whirl - Yep I am right in Lutherville.  I can swing the $400 or $500 but not $2K - wow, that is a schweeeeeet bike!  It should dance and sing for you too!  :)  There is a huge bike shop right on York where Bellona comes in, a little north of Watson's - is it any good?  It is right around the corner.  The one up on Warren road isn't that far - I go right past it if I take York Rd up to work. 

Thanks!  I'll let you know if I have any other burning questions, LOL!

Mare

Ye****herville Bike Shop is quite good. 
Let me know if you ever want to hit the trail together.

What a difference! You're looking beautiful and healthy!!

Thanks Lisa - your time will come.
I feel for you. 

Wow you look really good. I am so impressed by the riding ability. after doing tons of research i bought a schwinn voyager gs from performance  bikes. such a good experience. but i wish i had consulted you as the resident guru first. you are doing so well. as a sister with hips, i love to see yours melting. you give me hope. keep up the good work!