Boy, did you come to the right place! I'm a proud big rider, and my advice, stolen from G.Terry, is to take it easy and have fun. Cycling is really exciting and it can be easy to over-do, so listen to your body, ride lots but give your strength and skills the time they need to build. And be PROUD of yourself! You are doing something marvelous for yourself and you will have some great changes in your life!