I wouldn't class myself as a beginner as such, as I have ridden off and on since i was a kid, but as to something more serious then yes I am, and it's only been this last week or so that it's begining to show in terms of performance, though thats not what it's all about (well to me anyway, though I am a bit of a stats freak) I have always been able to do 20miles + though not always without stopping, which is now not a problem (or 30miles +) time is the constraint to larger distances (though as speed has improved the distance in a given time should).
I think things change when you look at a hill and are not filled with dread, but think bring it on, lets see what we (you and the bike) can do. This might sound odd but when you feel safer than in a car, though only an illusion I get that sometimes.