LOL I feel the same way...why did I wait so long to try this? I love riding and can't wait to get up in the morning to ride...I'm totally addicted. I had been looking for something to do for fitness and I am so glad I found this! Going to the gym is too social for me, running is not an option due to previous injuries, and walking is too boring. I love swiming but don't have access to a pool (its at DH parent's house) routinely. So biking is the perfect activity! Welcome and I hope you'll be as happy here as I have been...its a great place to learn!
I have been riding since May and average 10 miles a day/4-6 days a week.
Do what feels best to you but mostly keep doing it, don't give up or get discouraged because you aren't doing what everyone else does
A few times a week there is this guy I see on the bike trail...he is an older guy and rides an old school single speed cruiser type of bike that seems too small. He always has on gray gym shorts, a white tee shirt and rarely wears a helmet...and he FLIES! I'm slow but I average about 9-10 mph and he passes me at easily twice that speed! I always get inspired when I see him and it makes my day to see him get out and do what makes him happy.
Thats the whole point of this-just keep enjoying it and be happy!