I did it :)

[Catrin]

Yep - I certainly over-think things! I do appreciate the encouragement.

The interesting thing is my country roads don't scare me at all - even with the farm equipment that spans the entire road drunk red-necks in pickups whizzing by shouting nice things about my butt (selective hearing is a blessing), etc. The point is none of the above come in groups

I will do this again on other lower-traffic days, but for the most part I will just bite the bullet and wait to cross the street to reach the bike path - except when it is flooded.

You know, considering how much I rode last year, and what I am planning to ride this year, it does seem silly to worry about traffic so much. Then again, it is a very different kind of riding than my low-traffic country roads!

[Bike Chick]

drunk red-necks in pickups whizzing by shouting nice things about my butt

I thought they only did that in my neighborhood These are the same folks that have 16 dogs that they let run loose and then stand in their yard watching as you ride past screaming "NO!" at their dogs. Gee Whiz!!!

Ride with confidence, Catrin. I figure the more of us that are out there riding in traffic, the more the motorists will become accustomed to our presence and learn to accept us.

[mariacycle]

good job Catrin! even one car terrifies me... I'm glad that even the guy honking gave you room too.

[Geonz]

There's a lot more happening at once in that kind of traffic -- and yes, getting out and taking the lane is the way to go. You might find that it's like learning to drive -- at first it seems like there's no way you can keep track of everything, but hten all kinds of things become second nature.

[MyRubyE]

Good for you Catrin. I know the feeling and understand when it comes to extremely busy traffic. My work commute has narrow shoulders in some sections of the road and it took me awhile to gather the courage to just get over the fear and then take the lane when needing to make a left turn at the light.

You're doing great. Hang in there.