Yep, I finally did it, got out on the road and showed my fear that I was stronger than it! This was my first road ride since my dad died in a car accident last October. I've been mountain biking this summer and loving it, but had not been able to bring myself to ride on the road.

It went great! Hubby and I rode our Bike Friday Pocket Crusoes to the local farmer's market and to the post office, 16.5 miles total. I felt stronger than last time I rode (no doubt from the mountain biking), and once we passed our neighbor's dogs without incident, I honestly had no fear at all. The drivers were courteous, and we had no dog problems at all on the ride. Some of you will remember that I fractured my pelvis in April 2005 due to a dog accident while riding, so that is the other fear I have to deal with.

Fortunately, riding a bike is not something you forget, so I quickly adopted to the different riding position, my drop bars, and using my bar-end shifters again, and it felt like I'd never been off the bike.

I am so glad I did it. I needed to, and I know my dad would have wanted me to.

Emily