Hiya Valkyrie :-)

Yes, got my bike on April 22 and went out on it on April 24, I went a whole 6 miles that first day and thought for certain that I would die right there on the side of the road from either, A. my heart exploding or B. my lungs bursting out of my chest! But I kept at it and at it and at it, I go out most days now for anywhere from 8 to 20-ish miles. I am no speed demon at all, I have a hybrid and do the best that I can and if I only feel like doing a little bit of riding, thats all I do, if I feel full of energy, I keep pedaling on! I think all the stars aligned for me as far as cycling because my bike shop guy was really nice and super patient with me and all my questions and problems at the beginning, I got the bike that is perfect for me right now and I was riding on quiet back roads all by myself, so no one to be intimidated by or to feel I couldn't keep up with, it was just me! ( I am from New York State but am in London for the summer where it can be somewhat terrifying and intimidating when I am out on my bicycle)

Just go out there and have fun on your bike, that is the main thing, enjoy it, it can be a lot of fun, either by yourself or with your family and before you know it, you will be flying down the West Highland Way with your DH!