Now you know why a groove in the pavement parallel to your direction of travel is called "Death Valley"!
Glad to hear no broken bones, or sprained anything.
You need to beaware of your surroundings, traffic, holes, gravel, sewer grates, glass, etc. But you should still be able to take in the sights. Keep looking ahead of where you are going, take note of any hazards, plan for when you get to them. It will become second nature.
And always stop for a fellow cyclist.