Great advice, folks. Thanks. I know the "look farther down the road" bit because I used to roadrace motorcycles, but I'm having a hard time putting it into practice on the bicycle. I think tire width (cornering) and braking power and, maybe, lack of serious helmet/leathers are the differences that are holding me back. (If I fall on the bicycle, it WILL hurt.)

And, yes, I'll have to find a better place to practice. Also, maybe work my way up to it through "descending intervals" on the lower part of the mountain.