Handies was our first 14er. Some notes for similar novices.

We parked at what we thought was the American Basin Trailhead, but was actually .6 miles from the normal start - we just took the first parking spot we saw. No problems for 4WD Bronco to the parking lot, had we taken our Subaru we'd have probably been better off stopping at Grizzly Gulch.
Uneventful trip up - there is a fork in the trail which leads to a lake, but we didn't discover the lake until we were above it.
The rock crossing was certainly not scrambling, but suggestion is to take it slow.
Wind on top was not bad that day, but the final ascent, in addition to being very steep, was very windy.
The loose dirt coming down was a little tedious and unexpected, no falls but we were glad we weren't in a hurry.

Newbie thoughts
#1 and the only one that is really important - It is so majestic to be up there that photos cannot ever express it. It is a religious experience regardless of what/if any religion you ascribe to.
Ascent was uneventful, but coming up from 500 feet above sea level was difficult. Partner ascended after 3 weeks at 8000 feet, I was way behind him after spending only 3 days at 8000 feet. Be patient with yourselves.
I drank water and had some snacks on the way up, but felt much like one does at the back end of a marathon or triathlon. When/if I do it again I would probably mix in a bottle of "Gatorade" type drink as that has worked for me in those events.
Great peak if you're afraid of heights, not much exposure.
Really steep at the end - perhaps they are all like that - but it really made it feel "earned" in taking that slope at 14000 feet.

Beautiful hike/climb, beautiful day, a friend of 50 years and I did it together. 57 more to go - if we do 1/year we'll only be 120 when we finish!

Peace to al.