Hey everyone just wanted to say I finally got a bike after months of looking around and trying to figure everything out. Ended up with a Specialized Allez Elite with the 105 group set. Got the bike last Wednesday and took it out that night it was super windy and even sprinkled a bit, but anyways I road 10.3 miles in about 37 minutes (my buddy has a computer on his bike and just checked how long after he had finished for me to show up) which first time out I was fairly happy scared to over do and be super soar the next day being that I had done any distance of any sort in about two years. Used to be a body builder but messed up my shoulder dropped about 27 pounds. Though unable to lift I was still able to climb aside from overhangs but after about 4 months of therapy I was able to get that down in moderation still cant lift but my therapist got me into the idea a riding and so far so good. After the first ride as mentioned above my gooch was scary soar like I bruised it or something my friend who I had road with told me to get some shorts went to the store but they didn't have anything in my size under $100 at the time and after my recent purchase of bike shoes and clipless pedals I didn't feel like spending more than $50 on shorts so ended up ordering a pair off of amozon but couldn't wait to get back on the bike so did another ride Saturday evening out at Buffalo Springs again same route however we did a hill at the beginning which made me ashamed. Had my first fall as well it was pathetic we were stopping to let the cars pass before going back up and I clipped out and waited we started back up and my friend suddenly stops and I unclipped my left foot but I guess the road was leaning right and before I knew it I was down on that side. No real harm done unless you know where to look, but the fall totally helped me shed about 10 minutes from my previous ride (that and the fact that I hadn't gotten soar I was eager to push harder). But anyways, I was wondering what you guys think I should try to do to get up to a higher average speed in less time I am planning on riding probably MWF then saturday and Sunday. I definitely know I need work on hills, and leg endurance will come as I ride more, but really excited about riding and want to get better as fast as possible. But any advice for a newbie is welcome. I am a little nervous about joining a riding club right now afraid of being completely inadequate.