Thanks for all the encouragement! Marni, I am VERY encouraged by your story. I hope that I am able to help someone in the same way before long.

I have noticed a common thread in the majority of the advice - just ride. And that is exactly what i am going to have to do. I do enjoy riding, but I also thought about the fact that I typically do it with my head down, popping up occasionally to make sure i am not going to slam into something.

My husband and I are headed down to a concert in New Orleans tomorrow. Since it is Jazz Fest, we weren't able to get a last minute room, so we are going to stay outside of New Orleans in Covington. It just so happens they have a great rails-to-trails trail there and I am going to give that a shot. And just have fun.