Mark I can relate to your issues 5 years ago I hit an oil slick on an long off ramp at 65mph, some truck had dumped oil for 200 feet of the ramp, after saving it once I finaly layed it down on the left side and "ejected" my self from the bike letting it lead the way...nothing broken (on me) but got some nice 3rd degree burns from the pipes after the curb launched the bike and I went under it...
Now when I ride, despite 20 plus years of "dragging the pipes" in the corners...I am some what reluctant to lean it hard in...
BUT as I ride more my confidence in my equipment (and my own skill) grows and I have noticed a thinning of my "chicken strips" give it time...
After the wreck I thought my riding years were over...but I could not ignore the calling any longer...
There is nothing wrong with a "healthy fear" (many shop teachers have to few fingers because they lost their fear of the table saw) but don't let it rule you...confront it and even respect it but...trust in your skill and equipment....
I hate heights...but I am (was) an advid rock climber...because I trust my equipment and my skill...
Same goes for your bikeing skill...your tale (and the fact that you could relate it here rather than the grim alterntive) speaks to your skill!
Its the healthy fear of some cager whackin us that keeps us from riding in their blind spot, dbl checking them constantly and so on ....nothing wrong with a little healthy fear...so long as your don't let it controll you!
