Hi,
Last Nov 8, 2008 at the age of seventy and after almost 35 years of non bike riding
I bought an entry level road bike ( Sequoia Comp ).
I found that indeed one does not forget how to ride a bike, but riding a bike well
takes time and practice
Being a Clydesdale does not help, cuz my neighborhood is hilly
Just as you are doing, I started with short rides and have built up to 20 mile rides.
I have embraced biking with helmet/bike shorts/bike jerseys/gloves and clipless pedals.
Hang in there, it will get easier... This board is a tremendous source of information, use it!
Jerry