Perfect timing for me to read this post. I went down last week, left hooked and I bailed right, lost some skin and pride. I was thinking the last few week, it's been years since I have fallen from a bike, and sure enough - time was up. I got back on and road to my destination, where I got some bandages, had lunch and rode back home. Been out a few times since, no biggie, but I was feeling a little brittle/fragile. So I dropped by a spin class and rode that Schwinn like a maniac, felt much better afterwards.

Fear is an interesting thing. None of us is getting out of this thing alive you know. Seems to me the quality of your life before you go is something to be worried about. Letting fear be a deciding factor in how you live -- not so good imho.

Assuming you are not reckless, you risk a good deal more by fearfully staying off the bike than by riding aggressively. Ride on partner...