Novice needs training help

[CyclChyk]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I think Electric hit it on the head. I lack confidence with the mean nasty car thingys....... and I will definately check out the link.

I've got gear changing down; I need to utilize a mirror (I have lazy eye) as vision looking over my left shoulder is limited. And Electric, I really like your advise of: "Practice at an empty parking lot, move to regular quiet residential areas and gradually work up to some of the busier roads". Quite simply this could be all the training I need to get off the bike path and into the "real" world.

[GLC1968]

Petra -

Add to your training: practice at 'off' hours first. When you do move onto the roads, do it at times when traffic is lightest. Then gradually work your way into the busier time frames.

The old adage 'just do it' is somewhat appropriate here. I was very nervous the first time I rode in real traffic (as opposed to weekend rides on rural roads) but the more I did it...the more comfortable I became. I used to get serious nervous butterflies every single day leading up to my commute. Every day! Now I don't. I'm still super wary and overly alert out there, but it no longer makes my stomach turn!

[aicabsolut]

Mind sharing the training in DC you found? I could use it too. Here, there's not much in the way of off peak hours.

[CyclChyk]

AICABSOLUT - this is the website that interested me:

http://www.waba.org/new/content/ccc.php

Good luck. Be sure to send pointers my way should you get an opportunity to partake in any of the courses.