First, congrats on making the first 10 mile ride. It gets easier, just do small increases.

I ride the same loop, about 10 miles around, on the weekdays when time is shorter. I do my "exploring" on the weekends early in the day for the longer routes. I personally do better with a goal so having a known distance helps. Sometimes i change the direction just for a change of pace.

Don't worry about the things other people think about the blinky lights or spandex shorts.....I was worried about it too at first. Now, after a long ride, I go get a shake at Braums or sumsuch place and don't even think about it. If all they have to talk about is the sweaty looking fat man in the spandex shorts....Glad I could help them entertain themselves.