Very scared

[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

[Bluetree]

Jen,

Another thing to do when in new place... get route information fron the locals. I take my bike out to new places to ride, whether near my city or far away, but before I do I:

• Asked my more experienced riding buddies preferred routes in my area

• Asked the LBS the best/safest routes to take

• Visited a cycling site (such as BikeForums) and asked for routes

• Checked for ride descriptions on bikely.com

• Drove the course first in my car, looking for wide lanes, traffic, possible safety hazards, etc.

Being prepared is never a bad thing. You also might want to check and see if there is a cycling club in your area. I'm sure there are people eager to help along an "immigrant."

[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.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for asking this question since this has been on my mind a lot lately too. I have found myself nearly paralyzed with fear of riding ever since I had a serious cycling accident nearly two years ago now (caused by two dogs running on the road, always my biggest riding fear - I fractured my pelvis in three places). I have only been able to road ride a handful of times since then, and I've always enjoyed it, though every ride I begin fearful and loosen up the longer I ride. I was starting to get better at managing my fears and getting out there and riding again about six months after my accident, even did a 50 mile organized event, and then my dad was killed in a car accident in Oct. '05, and I couldn't bring myself to ride for 9 months after that at all, other than on the trainer.

Last summer I started mountain biking since it felt "safer" than the road, and it doesn't seem to trigger my fears as much (of dogs and motor vehicles), but I still get scared because of falling (which I have done several times) and the terrain (downhill switchbacks ), so I don't expect I'll ever be more than a very casual "beginner" mountain biker. I have no desire to jump logs or do anything highly technical; I just want to have fun and get a good workout.

Before my accident and my father's, I had ridden on the road for years and put many 1000's of miles on my various bikes with minimal anxiety. I feel so different now. I am not sure if I need anxiety meds short-term just to get me back out there or need to just suck it up and "just do it". I desperately want to ride (even on the road!) again, but my fears keep me inside with a million excuses.

The last time I tried to do a road ride, I fell going down my gravel driveway and was sidelined for another couple months with sore ribs, so that didn't help my anxieties any.

Now the nice weather is coming and I need to push through these fears so I can once again enjoy the rides I used to relish. I have done centuries, a 9-day self-supported tour (with DH only) across NY state, and many, many club rides, and yet now, the thought of riding five miles on the road makes me queasy.

You are not alone. But just knowing that isn't enough....I'm not sure what is.

Emily

[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.