All alone on the road bike for first time!! (gulp)

[eclectic]

Well done!

[HappyAnika]

Congrats! Isn't it a great feeling? It gets better every time.

[sbctwin]

Congrats on your commute. I remember when I moved to SLC, I gave up riding my bike for many years because I was so intimidated by the traffic. I no longer lived in a small town and I couldn't get over my fear. Finally, my need to bike and get some fitness won out over my fear of the traffic. I commute to work, weather permitting, but adjust my riding so I don't feel so "threatened". I would rather commute to work at 4am in the morning when it is dark than between 6am to 8am....I leave at 3pm and have traffic, but not as much if I left at 4 or 5pm. GOOD JOB. It is always better to ride SAFE than to ride FAST when having to deal with traffic....

[Geonz]

You Rock

[Bike Goddess]

LSR- Well, at least you had your flat at the END!!!!!

I've learned that riding in traffic requires some determination AND nerves of steel!

Although I don't have to go through traffic very much on my rides, when I do, I just be sure that I am visible and out there where people can see me. This means wearing bright colors (flourescent yellow really stands out). Also, when people wait for me I always wave a thank you. That way they are acknowleged for their good deeds!

As the others have said before me, it will get easier as you get more confidence in your abilities.

Congratulations for getting beyond your fears. That's always the hardest part (for me)!!!

[spokewench]

Good for you! We all have our fears to overcome and your doing it right - on your own terms.

[light_sabe_r]

Thanks guys You guys are FANTASTIC encouragement you know that???

Strange that none of this traffic stuff seems to bother me on the hybrid, which I use to ride to work every day usually...

But on the roadie I think it's the lack of experience, new riding position, unfamiliarity with the riding style, and the clipless pedals that get me all "nervy"

^_^

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't blame you at all!
I know I felt the same way (nervous) when I switched from a loaner hybrid to my road bike....and I don't even "do" clipless!!!

[RoadRaven]

Light Sabe_r - you absolutely achieved... way to go girl!

The road bike is quite remarkably different to a hybrid, and I am so used to being on a road bike I now I feel the same way when I hop back on a hybrid as you do about a roadie... positions, weight dispersal, even gearing... every seems different

But well done, and keep on... I find road bikes excellent to handle in traffic - much more responsive and lighter...

Keep us posted about your increasing accomplishments with it.