Quote Originally Posted by bcipam
OK, here's something to practice... falling. I know sounds weird, but once you practice falling and know you won't get hurt (at least badly) hopefully your fear will subside.

Falling does occur - it is just part of the sport - either road or mountain. Just keep riding. Remember more falls (and bad ones too) occur at slow speed then high.
I'd second that idea. I've gotten banged up several times in the last few years, and most of those times have been on my bike. Each fall has been stupid and embarassing, but not only have I survived, I've also learned to see falling and getting back up as proof of how tough I am. I've even been known to go into work the next day and show off my "battle scars" and tell a funny story about what happened. When I walk in the door with a bandaid on my knee or my arm in a sling, folks just shake their heads and say "She's been reliving her childhood again..."