fear

[goddess1222]

ok, here goes. as some of you already know, i am a fairly new road rider. i have been taking spin classes since may, and have been practicing at a local park clipping in and out. i feel i am ready to get on the road but here is my problem. i am so scared. so scared. i found a road with wide shoulders and limited traffic. there is only one small stoplight on the route. the thought of going through the stoplight makes me want to hyperventilate. i have been practicing my a$$ off. i worked so hard to buy this bike, not to mention the equipment along with it. now it is kinda just sitting there.
i am interested in how some of you ladies have gotten over hurdles similar to mine. what did you do? i need a little advice.

love to all,
goddess1222

[tammy]

Originally posted by goddess1222
ok, here goes. as some of you already know, i am a fairly new road rider. i have been taking spin classes since may, and have been practicing at a local park clipping in and out. i feel i am ready to get on the road but here is my problem. i am so scared. so scared. i found a road with wide shoulders and limited traffic. there is only one small stoplight on the route. the thought of going through the stoplight makes me want to hyperventilate. i have been practicing my a$$ off. i worked so hard to buy this bike, not to mention the equipment along with it. now it is kinda just sitting there.
i am interested in how some of you ladies have gotten over hurdles similar to mine. what did you do? i need a little advice.

love to all,
goddess1222

Do you have a buddy you can go out riding with? I get nervous riding on the road alone, even after six years. If you can gather up one or two other folks to ride with, it will make you more visible to cars, and provide you with some "instant courage" when you ride. Talking with your riding buddies will also help take your mind off your fear. Most shops have organized road rides for all skill levels - check around and see what's available as far as group rides. If you HAVE to ride alone, you're going to have to kind of force yourself to feel bigger and bolder. Sometimes talking to myself while I ride helps. Also make it a point to make eye contact with drivers, even briefly - that reassures me that they have actually seen me and are aware that I'm there. And if a driver is making you nervous, don't be shy - speak up! It's perfectly appropriate for you to yell "Wait" or "Rider coming" or something like that if you feel worried at an intersection that a driver doesn't see you approaching. Some riders use a bell, but I've found that the human voice invariably gets a driver's attention the best ;) Another thing is to stand up when going through an intersection - it makes you bigger and more visible. The biggest thing, though, is practice. As you ride more, you'll gain more skill and with that, more confidence.:)

[Veronica]

If you are worried about having to clip out at the light, try unclipping a little early, since you know the light is coming.

For the traffic be sure to wear bright colors. I'm a bg fan of day glow yellow, which seems to be this year's color for men. And definitely make eye contact and signal your intentions. I've found that a lot of drivers if they know I want to turn left will slow down to let me make the turn.

Try to have fun and enjoy the scenery.

[pennys]

get a mountain bike?

Just kidding:rolleyes:

I don't road ride anymore because of idiot drivers that seem to think it's humorous to throw firecrackers and water balloons at road riders.

Of course, mountain biking has a whole 'nother set of fears to deal with it.

One way of dealing with fears is to find a mentor that has BTDT in terms of your particular state of mind, and ride with them a lot.

penny

[jrhyne]

I've been there...began road riding 1 1/2 years ago. Previously had clipless pedals on my mountain bike, but fear on the road bike was very prevalent. On my first excursion on my brand new LeMond, I approached a stop light and could not get unclipped on either side and fell over. The pedals had not been adjusted properly. I was humiliated and sped home. Then I had my husband loosen the pedal tension and was fine from then on. I'm not sure what type of pedals you are using, but I would advise you to start out with double-sided mountain bike pedals such as Shimano 515 or 959. They are much easier to get into as opposed to the typical rear entry single sided road pedals. After a period of time, you can work up to the road pedals. I absolutely love the road and have had to overcome many fears, including riding in a pack. Stick with it.

[ayermail2]

I agree with the previous posters. If your fear deals with the clipping/ unclipping, just unclip early. (I still deal with this, it's been 5 mos since I went clipless)

I tend to unclip WAY early (or so I've been told ;) it doesn't feel that early to me!), so that I'm pedalling several revolutions with my heel (I have mtn shoes, with some cleat on the bottom, wouldn't necessarily advise this with slick-bottomed road shoes...).

I am definitely improving, clipping in earlier and unclipping later. It just takes practice.

Whatever side you favor to unclip out of first, try to always unclip on that side first every time. And get in the habit of turning your front wheel toward the foot that's already unclipped, it can help prevent you falling over!!

[snapdragen]

Check with your local cycling club, or LBS - they might have a program for beginning road riders. Mine does, we take 'em out, teach them the rules of the road etc. It really helps with the confidence. I've read about some cities that have mentor programs to help beginning road riders too. Ask around -- once you get the confidence you'll be a very happy camper.

Oh...and the fear of falling while clipped in? It's my understanding it's a law -- you have to fall over at least twice, in front of a whole lotta people -- when learning to ride clipless.....:p


Janet

[goddess1222]

wow! i am so lucky to have such great support. thank you to all of you. i am taking ALL of your advice and will use it. the comment from snapdragon about falling over while clipped in being a law made me laugh so hard i almost cried. that brought a huge smile to me. i will let all of you know how the "maiden voyage" goes. it is supposed to be this sunday, nov. 3rd.

thank you to all of you for helping me.
much love,
goddess1222

[goddess1222]

oh, i almost forgot!! hey ayermail, you gave me that advice early on about turning the front wheel toward the unclipped foot. i have been doing that ever since you advised me to try it. it works like a CHARM. thanks, so much.

goddess1222

[jenren]

I can sypmathise with you completely ...I have only been riding two months and was worried about the cars/roundabouts/gears/clipless peddles etc etc ...I got some good advice that helped me start out. For a start I took the clipless peddles off for about 4 weeks (cost me $20 to replace) and just got used to the bike and the road and getting myself safely out and back home again. I also ride early in the mornings 5 - 5.30 am - less traffic so I feel more secure. I only ride later in the day or afternoons if I'm going with other people. I got abused by a rude driver one afternoon when I had only been riding a few weeks so that has still put me off. I am now much more assertive on the road and you will be too, just give yourself time.
I also went riding with someone more experienced who rode behind me telling which gear to be in & made me change more often than I was. Find someone who can help you with riding, most other bikers I know are more than happy to share their knowledge with you.
By the time I put the clipless peddles on I was more familiar with the bike so it was only the peddles that were new. I was told that I was overloading myself with too many new things at the one time and while I thought that may have been harsh .....it was true. After 8 weeks I'm competing in a bike leg of 40k's in a triathlon this weekend. You'll get there girl! Take it slow - soon you'll love it !! Good luck!;)

[zephyr]

I totally relate to what you're talking about.
When I was getting used to clipless (which was not *so* long ago!) this is how I handled stoplights (which were the most scary thing for me!):
Approaching a yellow or red light, I would unclip the side I was *most* comfortable with (my right) and then sort of coast up to the light, slowly tapping my brakes in case the light turned green--then I could just pop my right foot back in and pedal. If the light stayed red until I got there, and I had to stop, I would stop slowly then turn my wheel towards my right, put my right foot on the ground and bring my left foot (still clipped in) backwards up to the top of the pedalstroke and rest it there that way. Then, when the light turned green I could kind of gently push off the ground with my right foot and pedal with my left foot (easy b/c it was already at the top of the stroke, see) and gain momentum that way. So I had that momentum to keep me going if I had trouble clipping my right foot in. But my right was easiest, which is why I chose to unclip that one in the first place.
So I guess one piece of advice is to approach the red light rather slowly if possible--actually, do *everything* slowly and think about what you're doing so you're not rushing, getting flustered and confused about how to clip in and out etc.
And the other piece of advice is to gain a bit of momentum after being stopped and before attempting to clip your other foot in.
Whew, that was long, Sorry!
I hope this helps somewhat & isn't all completely self-evident.
Take care and good luck!! You can do it.
:)

[singlespeeder]

Have you ever heard the "Graduation Song" by Boz Luhrman? It says do something everyday that scares you.

Traffic used to make me nervous and the first time was a little intense, then I started to get into this strange trancelike state that comes with riding. Me... My Bike.....Freedom, no phones, pagers, you get the picture. I love to just go, once you do it a few times, it will just click. Try riding with someone who will be fun on the first couple of rides. Someone who will talk or sing.

My motorcycle instructor once told me to never let a road stop you from going somewhere you want to be. Motorcyclists are often afraid of traffic and the highway. You just have to go out there with a smart head, then claim your place because you deserve to be on the road just like anyone else.

Try to get a copy of the song if you can, It is really quite inspiring when you listen closely.

[goddess1222]

thank you ladies. ohhhh sooo much. hey zephyr, you were not long winded at all. it all made perfect sense. the advice about doing everything slowly is great. i am taking all your advice and putting it to good use.

hey singlespeeder, i will definitely look for that song. thank you for such great inspiration. i like hearing that i have a right to be on the road just as much as the next person. i kinda wish motorists here were as polite in sharing the road as motorists in europe.

i will let you know how it goes.

have a great halloween.
goddess1222

[Dogmama]

I went through a community college class (over ten years ago) called Effective Cycling. I highly recommend it. Here are some of the tips I got:

Drivers think: Bicycle = Slow. When you're coming up to a stoplight, cross road, or any place where a driver might cut you off, shift into an easier gear and spin. You're feet will be moving faster, but your bike will go the same pace AND the driver will think you're moving faster. And always be ready to yield the right of way, just in case.

SIGNAL your intentions. Drivers will often give you a break if they know what you're going to do next.

DO NOT ride too close to the right side of the road. There are several reasons for this:
1. When a driver is going to enter a main road, they often pull the front of their car into the road, or bike lane, thus cutting you off.
2. When a driver is going to enter a main road, they're looking for cars, not bikes. Their field of vision isn't going to sweep far enough to the left to see you.
3. Bushes, trees, signs, etc., can keep them from seeing you.
4. If you're not squished against the curb, you still have some wiggle room to dodge glass, etc.

Wear bright bright colors. Best colors are day glo yellow, green and orange. Worst colors, grey, black, dark blue & dark purple.

There is a book called Effective Cycling that will give you lots of other tips.

Kim

[goddess1222]

ok everyone. I ACTUALLY DID IT. i rode my bike for the first time out in the road. me and my BF went early this morning, he wanted to take me when there was limited traffic. he road races a lot and rides on the track too, so i really felt looked after. he kept checking in with me, looking back to make sure i was ok, he rarely took his eyes off me, except to check the intersections. i did great. i didn't fall, and i stopped and clipped out beautifully at the stoplights. he took me down a little windy path, and i got a little tense, but i had sense enough to slow down, think and clip out before i fell. i didn't fall once. i was so proud of myself.

i would like to thank all of you for your kindness and encouragement. it really propelled me out there today. my fear is a huge hurdle, and i feel i have at least taken one step in jumping over it. i still have a long way to go, baby steps all the way.

thank you again,
goddess1222

[ayermail2]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Glad you had fun and enjoyed your road ride and the clipping went smoothly.....see ya' on the road!

[zephyr]

That's great!!
...and the *BEST* part is, it's going to get easier and easier.
Yay For You!!
:)

[Joycily]

Woo hoo! Congratulations!

[RMCrook]

I think the first thing you have to recognize is what exactly is it that you're afraid of? I had a terrible fear of falling off the bike. It didn't keep me from riding but it was in the back of my mind all the time. Then, out of no where, I fell, head of heels. Bumped my head, got a swollen eye, bruised hip and several scabs. However I did get up and walk away. It wasn't so bad. Now I can brag to my 24 year old son that I've taken some bumps to. Recognize your fear and research it a bit. Good luck

[ladyfish]

test of board

[jobob]

It worked. Hello there ! :)

[Trekhawk]

ok everyone. I ACTUALLY DID IT. i rode my bike for the first time out in the road. me and my BF went early this morning, he wanted to take me when there was limited traffic. he road races a lot and rides on the track too, so i really felt looked after. he kept checking in with me, looking back to make sure i was ok, he rarely took his eyes off me, except to check the intersections. i did great. i didn't fall, and i stopped and clipped out beautifully at the stoplights. he took me down a little windy path, and i got a little tense, but i had sense enough to slow down, think and clip out before i fell. i didn't fall once. i was so proud of myself.
i would like to thank all of you for your kindness and encouragement. it really propelled me out there today. my fear is a huge hurdle, and i feel i have at least taken one step in jumping over it. i still have a long way to go, baby steps all the way.
thank you again,
goddess1222

goddess - glad to hear your ride went well. I smiled when I read your first post because it sounded like me when I started. I found my heart racing before a ride just thinking about stopping at stop signs etc. I started by always riding early in the morning and on Sundays when the traffic was at a minimum. When I started feeling a little better and more comfortable I started riding later in the day. Now I ride when ever I can fit it in. I still try to avoid heavy traffic areas as I always ride on my own and sometimes drivers seem to be blind when it comes to single riders.
Hoping to hear more or your riding tales.
Happy and safe riding.
Trekhawk

[Adventure Girl]

Hoping to hear more or your riding tales.That probably isn't going to happen. This thread is from October / November 2002. goddess1222 has not posted since 11/26/03.

[Trekhawk]

That probably isn't going to happen. This thread is from October / November 2002. goddess1222 has not posted since 11/26/03.

aah see I have to stop reading the forum and doing stuff for the kids at the same time. Thanks for pointing that out.:)

[jobob]

I think it's kind of fun when old threads are resurrected, inadvertently or otherwise.

Then again, some threads just never die ...

I imagine it's about time for the Diva Cup thread to resurface :D

[DirtDiva]

Which one? :p :rolleyes: ;)

[goddess1222]

fortunately, the threads that are resurrected are automatically sent to those who subscribe on that thread. yes, this goddess1222 is still around, but the old fear came back when i got sick 2 years ago, after taking some long rides. (long story). i haven't ridden in about a year. but, how funny this thread popped up, because my bike is staring at me waiting for me to ride. these boards were a lifesaver for me when i was first starting out. now, maybe they will help save me again. i have been thinking about jumping back in the game...... divine coincidence? hmmmmmmm.......

[cindysue]

welcome back!

Consider contacting one of your local representatives from the League of American Bicyclists: (I looked up Portland Oregon on their website)

They may be able to tell you when the next "road skills" clinic is. Scroll down for a description of classes offered by LAB

Steve Durrant LCI #: 871
Alta Planning + Design
Bicycle Transportation Specialist
Portland, OR
Phone: 503-984-1995
steve.durrant@earthlink.net


Scott Bricker LCI #: 826
Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Education and Policy Director
Portland, OR
scott@bta4bikes.org
www.bta4bikes.org


Hal Ballard LCI #: 815
Washington County BTC, Chair
Portland, OR
Phone: 503.984.1761
bicyclist@comcast.net
http:www.washcobtc.org/


Terry Nobbe LCI #: 195
Portland, OR
Phone: 503-977-2715
tandemist@comcast.net

Road I

This basic 9 hour course is perfect as a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The 9 hour class includes learning how to perform a bicycle safety check, fixing a flat, interactive discussion, on-bike skills practice and student manual. Students will gain confidence knowing that they are riding legally and safely. Crash avoidance techniques and crash types will be discussed. Recommended for adults and children above 14.

Road II

For more advanced students with an understanding of vehicular cycling principles, this 12 hour course includes fitness and physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals included with each class.

Commuting

For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This three hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Included with the class are handouts and student materials.

[Trekhawk]

fortunately, the threads that are resurrected are automatically sent to those who subscribe on that thread. yes, this goddess1222 is still around, but the old fear came back when i got sick 2 years ago, after taking some long rides. (long story). i haven't ridden in about a year. but, how funny this thread popped up, because my bike is staring at me waiting for me to ride. these boards were a lifesaver for me when i was first starting out. now, maybe they will help save me again. i have been thinking about jumping back in the game...... divine coincidence? hmmmmmmm.......

Glad to have you back. So I might get to hear some of your cycle tales after all.:)

[BikeMomma]

Goddess -

Looks like Cindy found some great resouces in your area for you to (re)start from (thanks Cindy;) ). I'd say take the new year by the horns and go for it! You'll feel so much better and you'll quiet the guilt you feel every time you look at that beautiful, lonely bike. :) I used to feel that every time I'd pull the car into the garage -- I'd look over at the bike wishing I could ride. Well one day I asked myself "why not??" and the rest is history. You can do it too! Conquer those fears...you're stronger than you know!

Best of luck!
- BikeMomma

[Dogmama]

When I first started riding, I took the Effective Cyclist course which sounds like the same as CindySue outlined. I learned all kinds of things (for example: when you're going through an intersection and you have the right of way, if you gear down (making you pedal faster) you will appear to be going faster than you are and cars will be less likely to try to cut you off. Cars think: Bike = Slow)

Also, when I had difficulty getting back on after an accident, I examined what my brain was doing (very scarey!:eek: ) and I was imagining that I'd get back on the bike & have the same accident. The fact is - I've ridden thousands of miles with no accidents. Statistically speaking, I should be just fine. So, I set out to prove my brain wrong with small, easy rides. I quickly became addicted to cycling again and started riding the same as before.

[Susan Otcenas]

Hey Goddess1222, good to have you back!

Let's do a ride! I can grab a girlfriend or two and we can have a "coffe shop ride" to get you back on your bike. :) Something low key, maybe Springwater Corridor. Or you could come out here to the west side and we could ride some rural backroads...

Up for it?

Susan

[CorsairMac]

heck susan - wish I lived in your area - I'd go! lol


welcome back BG!! Yup, I believe there is a purpose for everything and everything has a purpose - sounds like it was time for us to "pop" up and let you know just how supportive we are and that we ARE here for you!! Know that you Can do this - you've done it before and that when all is right with you you Will do it! and we'll still be right here for you! cheering, applauding, wishing you the best, and riding in spirit right there with you!

[Susan Otcenas]

CorsairMac,

There's lots of beautiful riding up here. I've heard so many tales of people coming for a vacation and deciding to move here. Should you ever find yourself here on vacation, let me know. We'll ride!

Susan

[MountainandRoad]

I've road ridden for years, and whoever wrote that mountain biking has its own set of fears was right on. Unclipping upon stopping and safely navigating especially in traffic is second nature to me now (it helps not to ride in areas of congested traffic or times of peak commuter/weekend traffic) but unclipping from my mountain bike is a different challenge altogether, because for the most part, you can't unclip early and anticipate when you want release. I have an underlying fear of the bigger critters on the trail too, I see rattlesnakes on a regular basis, and there have been numerous mountain lion sightings in our area. Not to mention riding with pepper spray in the event that I am confronted by the male of the species when out riding the trails alone. I've thought alot about how I would defend myself if threatened by any eventuality. Its a great suggestion to ride with someone both on the road and moreso on the trail, but in my situation, that is hardly ever possible, and if I wait to find someone to ride with, I don't get to go. I've found the best way to overcome your fears is to try to anticipate and prepare for any contingency based upon common sense as well as other's experience, and go out there and face them...can't live your life not doing things because of fear...on the flip side of that idea is the idea that no one should be foolhardy...trolling unprepared or unaware for mountian lions or riding alone without the necessary plan B isn't a good idea either. When I ride alone I carry cell phone, small gps, pepper spray, CO2 cart for quick flat fix, essentials of 1st aid kit, practiced at quick flat fix, be alert to all that is going on around me...

[goddess1222]

oh God!!! where have i been without these boards? you are all so amazing! i would like to say thank you to each of you for lifting my spirits through the roof! CindySue, i appreciate the information on who to contact for skills training. i knew we had the BTA, but didn't know they threw skills training courses.

also, Susan, our ever present and supportive den mother. yes, i want to ride with you and some of your girlfriends. absolutely! preferably away from major traffic, as it has been a while (clipping in and out). i am home sick this week, but please contact me through private message and we will set a date.

my main fear is falling from not clipping out, or panicking. guess it's time to get back in that abandoned parking lot and practice.

to all of you: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND SUCH A WARM WELCOME BACK. I AM TRULY BLESSED! and i don't even know any of you personally, and i feel such a sisterhood to you all.

[DeniseGoldberg]

my main fear is falling from not clipping out, or panicking...

Well, the good news is that if you fall from not clipping out, you're not going to break a leg by sticking it out to catch yourself! Just reading this made me remember my own initial experience with clipless pedals. I only fell once due to not clipping out. Luckily it was on a lightly traveled road, and when I tipped over I went toward the edge of the road. I wasn't hurt, but it took me a minute to recover and stand up again because I was laughing so hard (at myself). Of course it would be better if you don't fall, but...

I hope that your fear will go away quickly. Have fun getting back into cycling.

--- Denise

[BikeMomma]

....and i don't even know any of you personally, and i feel such a sisterhood to you all.
That's TE....Sisterhood! Enjoy your ride(s) with Den Mom (Susan :D )...practice makes fun, not just perfect!:)
- BikeMomma

[Dogmama]

Well, the good news is that if you fall from not clipping out, you're not going to break a leg by sticking it out to catch yourself!

Yup, the biggest injury is to the ego. I always looked around to make sure I didn't know anybody at the stop lights...:o

BTW, if you must fall, be sure that you do not stick your arm out to catch yourself or you might break something. Better to tuck in & roll - think of how a football player falls.

[CorsairMac]

Goddess: at the risk of sounding negative - you probably will fall.....it probably will happen, and has happened to pretty much all of us. So don't be afraid of falling, just accept it. The best thing you can do is unclip Before you need to - it's always easier to clip back in and keep pedalling than to try and do that last-minute-panic-unclip thing. I unclip as I approach any intersection, crossing, anything that I'm unsure of etc etc. You can always rest your heel on the pedal until you decide if you need to stop or clip back in. Another thing you might try is to find a park or even put lots of blankets/pillows in your backyard, something soft - and then just fall.

I know you'll do just fine and pretty soon clipping/unclipping will happen without you even thinking about it! Heck - you'll wonder how you ever rode without clips and pretty soon you'll be reassuring someone else just how awesome they are!!

[RoadRaven]

Well done Goddess, always good to lassoo the fear and make it work for you...

The turning of the wheel so it points away from my unclipped foot is the best advice I have geaned from this site, and since receiving it I have not fallen as I deliberately slow down/stop at all!

Congrats on your growing confidence... looking forward to hearing more about your rides