Good afternoon Ladies,

This is Sandy's (DH) My name is Tye, and I have to say what a fantastic forum you have put together here. I happened upon this topic and I just wanted to say that I have been in a similar situation with cycling. To the originator of this thread, do not give up hope, and definitley do not hang up the bike. It is important to remember that in this world there is always going to be someone that can do something better or ride faster or do a better trick. Do not give up on something that you love so much. And definitley do not let someone else dictate your view of yourself. Sure you may not be as fast as the other guy/gal but overall you are the only person that is going to determine whether you will be comfortable at your level or whether you will step up and try to push yourself to the next level. Recovering from an injury I was in a similar situation and I had been away from the bike for 3 years. I recently just did my first race since the injury and it was a slap in the face for me. I am fat slow and I spent a good deal of the course walking up hills I normally would have conquered in a few pedal strokes. So in my case it wasn't the faster guys out there but rather my own view of myself that was holding me back. So I ahve to say, get back out there and ride, dont do it for everyone else, do it for yourself. Let others with similar riding abilities come to you rather than trying to force yourself to fit into someone elses riding abilities. The second it is not fun anymore is when you should re-evaluate why it is you are riding the way you are. Get out there and ride, you know you want to! and remember, keep it rubber side down!