JoHunter.... WAY TO GO!!!! good for you for tackling those fears... I was absolutely terrified of pretty much everything when I first began riding... I hadn't ridden a bike in years and suddenly I was out in big city traffic trying to learn everything... I remember how elated I was the first time I actually got the water bottle out and took a drink while still riding....

every single fear that you overcome is a big deal! thank you for sharing this with us... it's very inspirational!