Agree with Sunni on the ride recommendations. The ballona creek bike path in particular if you're starting from culver city.

You could also do the beach path but personally I've always found it to be a tadd sketchy what with the winding path, walkers/strollers, rollerbladers etc that do their own thing there.

The clubs I mentioned have nice intro rides that you may want to try to get your feet wet (and be in the safety of a larger group). Just send them an email as ask where/when they meet up and then be there.

Later on you'll be wanting to go south to Palos Verdes or north up PCS to trancas or the hills there. FUN STUFF!!!