Hi Anorange!

Last year I did my first event ride on my heavy hybrid. I went down a very steep long hill that ends right on a busy rural highway with curves and speeding cars. I drive that road so I knew what it was. And it was raining when I biked down it. I kept my speed to 12 mph because I was scared I would reach the highway going too fast. Yes, many cyclists passed me who were still behind me. But I have no regrets. Being scared can be a good thing; it helps to keep us alive. Good for you for doing the Chilly Hilly.

Regarding your bifocals, you mentioned you read about the discussion of prescription cycling glasses, and I want to say that when I went in to get the Oakleys with the prescription, I made the decision to have the prescription be for just the regular distance, and not for the close-up reading part, so my cycling prescription glasses are not bifocals. If I am on a ride and I think I might need to read something during the ride, then I will stick my regular glasses in a jersey pocket. I haven't had a ride yet where I needed to pull out a piece of paper and read it.

Darcy