a little soreness is a good thing. if it's distance you want, then work on maintaining an average pace. as time goes by you'll realize that most big benchmarks are more in your mind than in your legs. if you can maintain just 15 mph average, then long rides will happen for you quickly. be sure to increase your water and nutrition intake as you lengthen your rides. before you know it, a metric century (100 meters/62.2 miles) will be a regular occurrence.

just remember, don't go out so far that you can't get back.