Hooray! Welcome to this wild bunch!

I'm a newbie, too. The folks on this board are very cool, and very helpful. Ask any questions, don't be shy!

You said you're riding in front of your house because of the hills. Do you have a school nearby? I ride on the outer edge of the track and in the grass of the soccer fields of a school near me when I'm trying something new. It's flat, no traffic, and I can concentrate on the bike.

Keep riding!