Very scared

[mimitabby]

I have a friend who has tens of thousands of miles of rides under her belt,
including week long trips, etc. She still has trouble sleeping the night before a big ride.

[JenLeath]

Wow, that makes me feel a little better that I am not the only one. Sometimes I wonder if I should continue riding, then I go on a ride and have a blast. I'm pretty fast too, so that's kind of fun. It's just funny, because I am a spinning instructor, so I have these muscles meant for riding. I need to use them more. I vow to get out this weekend if only for a few minutes.

Thank You All,

Jen

[missymaya]

It's ok to feel anxious when thinking about riding, especially on roadways. One way I helped calm my nerves was riding frequently in low traffic areas. I commute to work and for fun and usually both involve riding in traffic now. Try to find low traffic areas and during low traffic times, to help you adjust. Also, find a group to ride with consistently. Riding with a group can help ease your nerves too and help with your bike handling skills.
Have a fun ride!!

[liberty]

Jen, when I first started riding by my house, I would have to work myself up to doing it. I was scared and the possibilities for something bad happening kept going through my head. But, like you, once I got going I had a blast. I've learned now to just take the brain out of the equation, get my gear on and go before I talk myself out of it. Now it isn't such a big deal. I just pray over myself before I go, and God takes care of me. I don't want to live with fear anymore. Fear kept me from doing a lot of things over the years and I don't want to live like that anymore. So, I say just go for it and know that there are plenty of us out there who are overcoming this too. We believe in you!

Another Jen (Liberty)

[Starfish]

This organization has produced some cognitive change materials that have helped one of my family members enormously (regarding all kinds of previously controlling anxieties):

midwest center for stress & anxiety,106 n church st,suite 200,oak harbor,ohio,43449. 1 800 591 2233

[kelownagirl]

I did the medication route for about a year and it seemed to solve my anxiety problems. I still get the panicky feeling sometimes but I can usually "manage" it now that I know I'm not going to die. I don't let it stop me from doing things.

[Duck on Wheels]

Just a thought: Would it help to have a riding buddy? Not necessarily somebody you train with, not the whole pack of club riders like on your weekend ride, say, but just a friend you toodle around the neighborhood with or ride to the park or out for a coffee. Would that take the edge off, to have company?

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Jen

Wow, you certainly have been given plenty of advice, also isn't it good to realise how common this problem is.

There are some situations on my bike when I get like this so I also understand your feelings.

However, I am impressed with your 2007 Schedule for all the marathons, I can't even run around the block, mainly because I am scared of falling over.............doh!

Don't give up and good luck.

Sally

[SouthernBelle]

On the don't know routes problem: check www.routeslip.com and see if there are any routes for your area. Google for riding clubs in your area, they often post routes on websites. There is another website that lists routes, but can't remember right now.

[mimitabby]

Just a thought: Would it help to have a riding buddy? Not necessarily somebody you train with, not the whole pack of club riders like on your weekend ride, say, but just a friend you toodle around the neighborhood with or ride to the park or out for a coffee. Would that take the edge off, to have company?

Gosh, Duck, I'd love one of those, will you be my riding buddy? Its easier said than done. You might look at the Pacific Northwest Rides board... We have so many near misses; She has to work, she doesn't, she's starting at 10, i can't be there until noon... KNot wants to ride, I'm stuck with family, etc, etc..
and we each have between a 15 to 20 mile ride just to get to a central meeting place.
My DH used to be more of a riding buddy, but he graduated. This morning I dropped him off at the startline of a 200 k ride... So now what? I'm not riding. well, I might a little by myself. owell, thanks for listening.