Strip down your bike to the bare frame and clean/polish it. Repack/Replace the bearings, even if they are "sealed." And then put it all back together. It's good practice, and you will have a smooth running machine. Feeding two birds with one scone.
I'm hardly self taught, but I can't really say I've ever been to any real school either. A lot of what I've learned has come by way of mistakes and a little bit of luck. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and never deny a little intervention from lady luck. That's my advice.
