Welcome to SR bike! We all have to start somewhere, I hope you find something that works for you.
I can relate to a little of your story. I used to ride a road bike every night before I got sober. Have you ever wiped out on asphalt going really really really fast?
Yeah that's one of my funny drinking stories, I also crashed into a cactus on my mountain bike. Drunk again of course.
Stay safe out there, and stick around here. Nice to meet you.