Thanks, Emily. Having the trails right out my door has been a big factor in overcoming my fears. Knowing I could yell for help or crawl back to the house, even, helps. When doing trails away from home, though, I still play it very safe, but knowing I have skills to handle what the trail might throw at me is makes for a more enjoyable, less nerve wrecking ride.

NY, that is a little spooky with a guy like that. Oh, I've had my share of those idiots, but it still makes my skin crawl, all the more so because I am almost always alone. Nightmare kind of stuff, for sure. On a more positive note, I've never even seen Chesapeake Bay, but it sounds lovely.