To me the most important thing is to get riding regularly, if you can every day or two. Start with short rides and gradually increase the time out. I've personally always found it handy to have a few loops that I can do, but no matter, just getting out regularly, whether its for 30 mins and then more, that's all that's important.
Andthen you can gradually start adding more stuff in a pannier, and gradually get used to riding with more weight.
And of course through all this time, starting to figure out stuff like padded bike shorts (no underwear remember) and seat position, and padded bike gloves etc that all help with less discomfort.
cheers
djb...I've got a lot of time on my hands. I'm hoping to take my bike out for a ride tomorrow. I don't have my Arkel rear panniers yet so it won't be a loaded pannier ride. It should do the trick in feeling how the bike handles and how it fits. Thanks for all your input.