Okay - I am greener than the newest newbie!! I'm 52, overweight, have bad knees - so why have I suddenly decided to ride a bike?

Since I have no idea what I'm doing, I bought FOUR bikes at Wally's before I found one I liked. I ended up with a Schwinn Skyliner and took the other three back. The first one I returned and said it was broken, cuz it wouldn't go uphill!!

Anyway, I have my bike. I had a bigger gel padded seat put on, so that helps. Now I need to learn to ride the darn thing!! I wobble like crazy. Hold the handlebars so tight my hands turn numb. Hold myself so rigid - barely dare to breathe. And what the heck do you do with all those gears?

Oh boy - do I have a lot to learn!! I sure would welcome any hints to get me going. Thanks.

lee