Welcome-- and what is it with all these forum members from Atlanta?! Is Atlanta the bike capital of the US or something? Really got me wondering. :confused:

As for your goal: unless you have some kind of physical handicap you didn't mention in your post, I see no reason why you couldn't do the entire commute every day, starting day one.

I started bike commuting, 5.2 miles each way, at age 51, and had no difficulty. I don't think Atlanta offers generally more hilly challenges than Kansas City, but I could be wrong. Some of the many Atlantan members will be quick to set me right, I hope.

But at least you shouldn't have any problem with the very conservative approach you outlined.

In short, my recommendation: just jump on in, no problem. But if you feel you need to be gradual, that should work, too.