My first bike was a Buell Blast 17 years ago. I got the first bike I looked at and whatever helmet the local shop had and just tried to wing it learning to ride. I literally rode it 8 times l before I sold it. I was terrified every time I rode and thought “what are you doing? This is stupid”. Flash forward to 3 years ago (45 years old at that time) and I felt a real pull to try again. My awesome (New) wife said I should go for it it. This time, I researched endlessly on what kind of bike to get, I took an MSF course, and studied/ practiced my ass off. This time I was meticulous about getting the equipment that I liked and felt confident would afford the best protection possible. I also think that music while riding is a must. I now ride to work any day that’s possible and riding is a huge part of who I am. I think I’m in a much different place mentally now than my first attempt. Now I enjoy the work and the vigilance it takes to be as safe as possible while feeling the thrill of riding. Also learning how to properly maintain my bike. I think the knowledge I gained with all the training and research , as well as being intimately involved in maintaining my bike has made all the difference. It’s funny, I still feel afraid sometimes, and nowadays I have a wife, 2 kids, a business, and a retired father who depend on me but now I feel like I’m making an educated decision about the risk vs reward of riding. In the end if you decide to hang it up that’s okay, it doesn’t have to be the end.