Originally posted by goddess1222
ok, here goes. as some of you already know, i am a fairly new road rider. i have been taking spin classes since may, and have been practicing at a local park clipping in and out. i feel i am ready to get on the road but here is my problem. i am so scared. so scared. i found a road with wide shoulders and limited traffic. there is only one small stoplight on the route. the thought of going through the stoplight makes me want to hyperventilate. i have been practicing my a$$ off. i worked so hard to buy this bike, not to mention the equipment along with it. now it is kinda just sitting there.
i am interested in how some of you ladies have gotten over hurdles similar to mine. what did you do? i need a little advice.

love to all,
goddess1222
Do you have a buddy you can go out riding with? I get nervous riding on the road alone, even after six years. If you can gather up one or two other folks to ride with, it will make you more visible to cars, and provide you with some "instant courage" when you ride. Talking with your riding buddies will also help take your mind off your fear. Most shops have organized road rides for all skill levels - check around and see what's available as far as group rides. If you HAVE to ride alone, you're going to have to kind of force yourself to feel bigger and bolder. Sometimes talking to myself while I ride helps. Also make it a point to make eye contact with drivers, even briefly - that reassures me that they have actually seen me and are aware that I'm there. And if a driver is making you nervous, don't be shy - speak up! It's perfectly appropriate for you to yell "Wait" or "Rider coming" or something like that if you feel worried at an intersection that a driver doesn't see you approaching. Some riders use a bell, but I've found that the human voice invariably gets a driver's attention the best Another thing is to stand up when going through an intersection - it makes you bigger and more visible. The biggest thing, though, is practice. As you ride more, you'll gain more skill and with that, more confidence.