Well done! Sometimes all ya need is a little push. I ride 11 mi from PJS to SBU and have had very few problems with motorists, even coming home very late (11 PM -1 AM occasionally.) Even when I ride 347 at rush hour, most people are cool.
Anyway, 11 miles isn't all that much for a RT, no reason to to take all your stuff with you and ride whenever you can, don't be dependent on the car/ wife.