I would say just get a bike and mess around with it for a while, don't just jump into racing. Get comfortable with the bike, ride off curbs, do small dirt jumps (I mean smalll) until you feel you can move up and just continue from there. If all else fails my friend, just get really buzzed/slighty drunk and I bet you won't be afraid anymore. haha. Whatever you do though Mark, don't let your age get to you. 37 is young! Get on that bike and have some fun. Have a good one man, I hope you decide to ride!