I wanted to thank everyone for all of the welcoming comments, which really made me feel quite at home in this forum. The numerous suggestions, links, pictures, etc. which were provided in response to my expressed interest in saddle bags and handle bars was very helpful in getting me started down the right path.
I'm still reading as many topics and threads as I can, in hopes that I won't ask some annoying question which has already been asked and answered a hundred times. There is really a mountain of useful information buried in these threads, not to mention a good bit of raw humor, tips on animal husbandry (with sheep), and dissident political commentary. I'm pretty sure I'll fit right in with this group.
Meanwhile, I plan to keep riding as much as I can during the Fall and Winter. Hey, if it's above 40 degrees and there's no ice on the roads - I'm out there! I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of you in person as the scheduled riding events come up on the schedule.
Gene