There are lots of tips but my favorite are:

this can be a lifetime sport, have fun, be safe
start easy, progress only as fast as the heart, lungs, legs will allow
be comfortable on the bike - get gloves and bike shorts
wear a helmet
lots of 10 mi rides each week are better than one 50 mi ride
get advice from several sources- friends, bike shop, internet
if you miss a few weeks or months, get back on the bike when you can
learn to love the hills
try to find a small group or club you enjoy, it's motivational
tell other non-cyclists about your experiences
smile and laugh a lot when on the bike