When I started riding again after years of inactivity and growing medical problems, I chose bike commuting as my gateway drug. My commute was only 3 miles, some slight hills (very slight, like 1/2 mile at 4%). I'd get home dripping with sweat, heart pounding, gasping for breath, exhausted, after groveling for the last mile in 24 x 24 (mountain bike, smallest chain ring). Did that every day. Took a couple months before riding home was no longer a challenge. Let your body tell you how far to go. Meaning, your heart rate and your legs. Seriously, 2 flat slow miles would not be an unreasonable ride for the first weeks. Don't be macho. Remember you are learning how to control the bike and navigate traffic at the same time, and when you are tired, your coordination and concentration is hampered. Pics of bike?
Last edited by jyl; 06-06-15 at 01:00 PM.