If I feel myself becoming more nervous than I should be, usually skiing, not cycling, I imagine I'm someone else. I'm not kidding :-) But thinking of how someone who is competent and brave would do something, whether a well-known athlete or just a skilled friend, helps me be more competent and brave. I don't mean death-defying or reckless, just encouraging myself to push the limits a little.
Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin
1995 Kona Cinder Cone commuterFrankenbike/Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel Flow
2008 white Nakamura Summit Custom mtb/Terry Falcon X
2000 Schwinn Fastback Comp road bike/Specialized Jett