Sulis-if you have a local riding group- join up! Tell them your goals, and ask for coaching. I have found that riding with others is a great motivator and also great opportunity to learn how to cycle efficiently. One long ride every weekend plus some shorter rides during the week should be fine. You have plenty of time I would say. If you have hills, practice going up, coming down, going up, etc. That is great training if you can't do alot of distance riding.

Also use your rides to learn how to eat and drink. Drinking while riding is an art which takes practice. Take some bars with you and use small pieces every once in awhile to give you energy. Drink, Drink, Drink. When you get home, be sure to keep hydrating. Its amazing how much fluid you lose cycling even in cold weather!

Keep us posted! AND keep a journal so you can see your progress. It takes a minute and its worth a lot as you go down the road toward your goal