Getting Faster

[pooks]

I'm not really able to work up much speed because all my riding is in the neighborhood, and even if I (ahem) run most stop signs, I still slow down when approaching them to an almost-stop, just in case some wild-a$$ driver comes speeding down the cross street. So I get up a little speed between and slow down at all corners.

But here's the thing.

I'm afraid to go faster, anyway. I'm afraid of losing control, of wrecking. When people talk about going fast downhill, I feel a bit of terror in the pit of my stomach.

Eventually I'll be riding a bike trail nearby and will still be afraid to go very fast because of people walking dogs, etc. on it. I'll be afraid of somebody doing something unexpected.

Afraid, afraid, afraid!

Any advice?

[Kalidurga]

Shameful confession time...

I drive fast. I mean, really fast. I behave myself in residential areas, but on the highways or curvy back-country roads... Hoo-boy. I've learned two things, though:

1) Pay attention. You've got to be focused and as aware as possible of what's going on around you.

2) Always drive with the anticipation that the person you're coming up next to will do the absolute stupidest thing possible, or as if an animal could run out into the road at any time.

With that awareness and anticipation, you've got a level of preparedness. You can respond with control instead of react with panic. The same thing applies to pedaling on bike trails. You have to watch far ahead up the trail, and try to listen for what may be behind you. This does not guarantee omniscience, but again, being prepared for the unexpected gives you a comfort level that allows you to remain in control.

And, sometimes, you will crash. All of my recent accidents have been when I've been acting like a kid and having fun: I broke my wrist by falling off the jungle gym at the local playground a few years ago, and I recently fell backwards with my bike on top of me while trying to pedal up a steep, grassy hill. Felt like a total goober both times, but I survived! Surprisingly, though, it's been over 15 years since I've had a speed-related accident, either in the car or on the bike.

If you can develop the mindset I've described, hopefully you can open up to the fun of going fast. There is a definite adrenalin rush that can make you feel so alive, in spite of any tiny twinges of terror :D

[pooks]

I don't think I need to worry about "fast" any time soon. Or group rides, either! Today we took a different route that had longer straightaways between stops, and even then I never got faster than 8 mph! LOL!

[SadieKate]

Pooks, go read what I just said about your skills practice. You're on the right track. I wish more road riders would work on their skills rather than just riding more. You obviously want the skills to deal with the unexpected. Best to learn in before needed.

If I can think of anything else I'll let you know.

I wonder if Lorri has posted anything on the VeloGirls website. You might go check.

[pooks]

Unfortunately I figured out I needed these skills because the unexpected happened and I crashed! (And it was a measley "unexpected" and a fairly small crash as these things go, but massive bruising on my thighs and I now have a hematoma that is annoying!)