When I started riding a year ago, three miles was a long ride. It seems like I hurt for the first couple of months. But, by the third month I did my first organized ride: twenty five miles. Now, I feel like I'm cheating if I don't do ten miles a day. My bike is my only transportation, unless I ride with my girlfriend somewhere. You'll learn what to carry, what you can handle, bike maintenance and so on and so on as you get some experience. I have really come to depend on BF for knowledge and just plain interest. If I can give you any advise it's this: NEVER GIVE UP! That way your confidence will build. Good luck!