Well, I finally made the commitment to join this club..

[il Padrino Ute]

and purchased a road bike. My reason for doing so is to get back into shape and not do any kind of serious cycling - not yet anyway. Perhaps I may catch the bug and try one of the rides you folks post about, but that won't be for quite some time.

This is the bike I've purchased: http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_strada.html

I have no idea if any of the parts of the bike are quality or what is best for what I need to do, etc. I made the purchase based on price and price alone. The cheapskate in me will almost always win. Feel free to post your comments and thoughts about that particular model bike.

Also, if you folks could give me a good entry-level riding distance, I'd much appreciate it. I don't want my ego to give me the idea that I could ride a greater distance than I really can or should at first.