It's a pity more new or returning riders don't choose the more sensible hybrid route. I don't own one but I love those things. A bike should be a thing you want to ride, not some shiny toy you are afraid to use.

I'm sure you'll get over your nervousness eventually. SGTiger (my wife) was really scared about going fast when she first started riding. As more road passed under her tires, she went from having her brakes on most of the way down the hill to making me work to keep up with her (I've hit 55mph on a loaded touring bike in the mountains).