Grease marks on the calfs are worn as a trophy, but get a band aid on them if they start bleeding. The bugs add extra protein to the diet so don't worry about them, unless they get in the helmet and buzz around the ears, but that gives you a reason to stop so ignore them. As for the Flatlands, they don't exist, so just enjoy the buzz of riding up the hills and look to the scenery for inspiration.

Well done on the riding, but try to put a bit more effort into it so you can get that true mark of a cyclist--Road rash.

(Keep going as you are and the milage will come and hills won't get any easier, but they will get shorter)