One...two...let's all say this together...AH HA! Well done NorCal!!! Be proud of what you have and the fact you are using it. I know how you can feel self-conscious: anytime I have a steep climb, I self-consciously look over my shoulder to see if any cars are coming uphill before I stand and let 'er rip. But now I just figure, if you want to stare, go ahead, I'm eating this climb up and you can watch me doing it while sitting on your caboose.

I had huge body image issues (still do but working on it) and know that cycling was really really intimidating to me first. I wasn't afraid of crashing, getting lost, or getting harassed, I was afraid of the gear! Isn't that absurd? In hindsight, yes, but initially I wouldn't get on my bike until I looked decent in my gear. Thank goodness that was shortlived. I've overcome that now so congratulate you on looking beyond your body from the outside and be proud of what it can do for you.