Light cycling regime for summer.

Last summer I had a cycling regime all planned out. I did not know how far it was at first. Later found out it was 6 each way so 12 miles in total. I planned to do it daily. The way there was not too bad but the way back was horrible because it was all uphill. I would take about 15-20 minutes there and 40 to get back. After a few days I gave up because it was too much. Now the problem is all routes from my house are seriously hilly so I cannot avoid the uphill return. 

To stick with it this year I would like a regime that I can stick to without too much stress especially to begin with. If anyone has any experience with this I would really appreciate some guidance. Thanks.

Start with shorter distance and go from there. What kind of bike are you using?

UD

It is a felt mountain bike (thats a far as I know)

I used it often at my old house for quick shop journeys etc but now that I live in a more rural area I can no longer do that.

So what type of distances would you reccomend for me. I know that on flat surfaces I can go around 5+ miles without any real fatigue setting in.

Not ideal bike for the road, but hey better then nothing. :) Make sure to lock the suspension, if you can, that should help. As for distance that is really up to you. As you said 6 miles each way were killing you, so you gave up. Try 2 miles out and back, and see how you feel. Then slowly ramp up the distance, or time, by around 10% a week. When going up the hill, use easier gears and try to spin more VS mashing on the pedals.

UD

Cool thanks sounds good.

I have the suspension pretty tight but not completely because from my house there is about a half mile of bumpy ass road.

I don't know much about biking either, but I did have some street tires for a while, they're completely smooth on the bottom instead of the tread. If the road is paved well enough it will help the tires grip the road and be less taxing on you. I highly recommend them if that's the sort of road you have. =D