I also ride solo just about every day, though I have a few friends with whom I cycle now and then. Everyone else gave good advice. The only things I can add is to have the LBS programmed into your cell phone, along with the numbers of anyone who can give you a ride if you get an acute mechanical failure, including a taxi company. Also, always carry enough liquid and keep an emergency stash of sports fitness powder and calories in your saddle pack, just in case you take a wrong turn and go miles out of your way. If you run low on water, and you are rural, stop at a farmhouse and use their outside faucet. The farmers don't mind.

When you conquer your fear and get out on your own, the entire process is very self-affirming and it makes you a stronger women, more confident and self-assured in all aspects of your life. If you can go out and bike 70 miles on your own, then you realize you can achieve just about anything you desire.

The solo riding becomes addictive, wanting to explore new roads and go longer distances, and before you know it the miles add up.

Also, you get compliments from total strangers and friends, not normal ones such as gosh you've lost weight, but ones like wow you sure look fit.

I put my road bike on the car rack and go park at the state park for my daily rides. The state parks all have a permit you can purchase that give you something like two years of parking for twenty dollars. In addition, your car will be safe, and there will be water and restroom facilities. To map out your routes, use an internet site like http://www.routeslip.com. You can start out by looking at other cyclists' routes in your area, and using another route, then from there figure out your own.

Really, though, you just need to get out and do it, then your fear will go away.

Darcy