Windchaser, I think my town is probably a lot like yours. Not a lot of bicycle commuters around here and the drivers aren't always so eager to share the streets with me. I've learned a few things that have helped me.

- Adjust your expectations. That is hard to do, but it helps.
- Don't react. No middle fingers, no yelling, no nothing. Don't make it worse for yourself because that is usually not an argument that is winnable.
- Worry less. I used to worry about trying to keep up with motor traffic before I figured out that it does not matter. Your going to be slower anyway, 12mph or 20mph... it makes no difference to most drivers.
- Travel on side streets when possible. It may not be as direct, but I usually look for the streets with the least traffic.
- Follow the laws. Signal turns and stops, stop at lights and stop signs, etc. It doesn't always make a difference, but I feel it projects an image that you belong and that you are respectful of the road. Even a
helmet may signal to a driver that you deserve some respect.
- Thicken your hide. There are always going to be some real A-holes, try to ignore them. Most people are not actually crazy enough to kill someone, they just want to be A-holes and feel they have a point to prove. I've had a few cars get really close, one laid on his horn and FLEW past me. That was scary stuff, borderline psychotic.