Thanks all for the warm welcome. I'm quickly discovering that my area has many miles of greenways, paths and trails that I can ride without having to worry about cars. Did my first two rides of 15 miles each along the tobacco trail which is an old railroad bed with no steep grades. I ain't fast, averaging around 10 mph but have found it to be enjoyable at that speed. Couple more tobacco trail rides and then will give Umstead a try.