I'm not so much a newbie as I was a while ago, but ... "just do it" is a good place to start. I decided to buy a bike three years ago on a Sunday. There was only one bike shop open in town, and I bought the first bike I tried. It just felt so wonderful to be riding again after a twenty-year hiatus. I took the bike on small rides through the State Park that summer. The next year I signed up for the Bon-Ton Roulet which is a seven day tour with hills and camping, and supported (that means they transport the camping gear and provide nourishing food and rest stops). It was grueling and I was not at all in shape. But I finished without using the support (SAG) wagon. I was ecstatic!! I went on the Bon-Ton Roulet again this year, this time with my daughter who is 29. We both had a fun time, even in the rain most of the time. I had strived to be in better shape this year, but alas caught pneumonia three weeks before the tour. But my doctor said "Go!" and I did. I had one sore knee and fell on my handlebars once when I went off the edge of the road shoulder, but I never felt so alive! I don't know whether I bought the right bike, or the right helmet, but I did have the advice of the bicycle shop owner and I haven't regretted any of it. Just get going on any bike, and it will tell you what you need to learn!