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I wanted to give you all an update.

Went out last night with my hubby & put on about 40 miles. I think it is the first time a really can say I enjoyed myself. I was able to release the death grip quite a bit. Also had my first experiene on a 4 lane highway, using an offramp & making a left hand turn in the city. We went out after 6pm so traffic was not too heavy.

Certainly need ALOT more time in the saddle but it is progress!!!

As someone who just started riding this summer, I'm still stressing, but I think in a good way now. It keeps me thinking. And alive...

"Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older." Hans Selye

"Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it." Hans Selye

I'm new to riding too. Started off slowly, just cruising around town, next getting into traffic situations, then higher speeds and now working into some highway riding. I had/ have nerves on every step but when I feel them building I take a deep breath or two, gather my thoughts and refocus. I also try to stay aware of any tension building in my (death) grip and flex my fingers to keep loose.
I'm still trying to get used to highway speeds and the wind but I feel my comfort building as I get more time and practice in.

Having a spastic spouse in front is irritating.

Do some rides on your own. That calmed me better then riding with my other half.

Also, it took a few weeks, maybe a few months for the nerves to settle. The unformed worries to stop swirling in my head. It took a lot of riding time to become comfortable, not just time time. After the winter break, it took a few weeks of regular riding to settle back into the grove of things.

Brackstone wrote:Don't be afraid of being afraid.

Sometimes, imo, people get freaked out about freaking out and it sounds like that might be what is happening here.

I know the window can be kind of scary because it's pushes you around a bit but like John said you were ok, you didn't get hurt and you came home safe and you probably had fun too!

Just remember that no matter how much the wind huffed and puffed you made it through!

Don't dwell on the wind being scary think about how you beat it!

Great post. It's a bit of nerves for the new rider (I am one of them) that removes all complacency.

After you familiar to ride, you wouldnt feel nervous anymore. My experience..

Did a post on the full story in Ladies.. 1200 miles & still scared

I remember the stomach filling so nervous in the beginning. I didnt even leave the block!!!

I was finally getting comfortable, but not too much. I was really enjoying it. Didnt even "get" nervous. Just warmed up & went. But the other day my "mentor" who has riden for 30 years went down in front of me. I was shocked, scared, worried, you name it I felt it. Their leg is bruised something bad from the ankle all the way up to the top of her thigh. I have thought more about the dangers this week. But havent had time to go back out. I only hope the picture of her in the road will leave my mind sooner than later.

When you run out of nerves, get off and sell it.

Soccer Mom is always out there, and deisel Dan.

They are not looking you have to stay once second ahead of them.

I rode today for the first time after seeing my friends "crash". Thats what we are calling her now. I was nervous ALOT, then after 1 hour it got better. i dont think we ever get totally comfortable. But at least I am not a bundle of nerves like I was the first 100 miles. I am glad to see that the cautious "nerves" are normal & like the post before me says never let them go or sell it.