This morning I went for a ride on a windy, hilly, narrow road flanked by vineyards, ranches, and oak trees. I went to a nearby town and back, about 24 miles round trip. It was SO FANTASTIC. I felt WAY more comfortable out there than I ever do in town. There were very few cars, I was able to hear them coming (haven't had time to buy a mirror yet, going to today) and they all gave me plenty of space. At one point, after going up a particularly long hill, I accidentally dropped my water bottle and it rolled across the road. There happened to be a car passing by, and the driver slowed all the way down to avoid running over my bottle. I thought that was very nice.

I went by myself, but I knew that the route I was going was frequented by cyclists, and I saw TONS of them. I will definitely be going on that ride again, maybe a little farther next time.

I want to say thanks to everyone here, if not for all of you, it probably would have taken weeks for me to work up the courage to do this!!