1000 miles is nothing chap! That's your problem. The older you get the longer it takes to learn new things and the stronger your sense of mortality. 1000 miles might get a loony 17 year old riding confidently (and maybe recklessly) but not a sensible older gent.
From your short blurb I'd say the two things you need are many more miles and some more experienced riding buddies. You'll be amazed at how quickly your cornering improves when the guy in front of you leans it over and whizzes round at twice the speed. You realise you can do it too and you'll start pushing yourself.
Well done for improving though. It's all fun from here on in!
