Quote Originally Posted by JenLeath View Post
I have major anxiety about riding my bike. Once I get out, with other cyclist I am pretty good. I have fun and wonder why I don't do this more. Then I go home and go about my life. The option to ride again creeps up and I get terrified. While driving to or getting ready for a ride, I get stomache aches, sweaty palms. I am afraid of other cars, gravel, getting stuck in my pedals and then possible dying or getting really hurt . Jen
Hi Jen...big hug, you are not alone. I feel the same way, especially in a group, and especially about getting out of my pedals. Sometimes I lay in bed, thinking about a ride and my heart will race thinking about all the things that could go wrong.

For a while I would just ride up and down my street, or on the trail, in very safe places.

It helps me to ride w/just one other person, and I'm super-lucky to have a great guy to ride with, who is experienced and safe, not a hammer-head.

On club rides, w/more than 2 or 3 people, I'm still pretty skittish. I'm unclipping 500 yards ahead of every intersection, or possible stopping point. This makes me a little slower than everyone else pulling away (since we often don't have to stop) but.....I always say, I'd rather be last than plastered on the windshield.

I wish you well. Try venturing out of your safe territory a little at a time, in small increments. Find a good friend to ride with who understands your fears and will help you along.

I wish you were close to me I would love to ride w/you. Are you near NE Ohio?

Colleen