Not my best day (I just need to whine).

[RoadRaven]

On the worst ride I ever had, I was alternately screaming at the wind and rain for blowing in my face and slogging down the road staring like a hypnotized chicken.

I had one of these days about 3 weeks ago. I was crying at times too - sometimes in despair, sometimes with rage... the wind and rain was inside my head though, but I was still yelling, muttering and whispering to myself... as well as the hypnotised chook thing...

Aly, like the others say. Give yourself time, don't write yourself off... we all have days of despair and self-doubt. Look at my sig below, and dust yourself off for another day.

[aly]

Awwww. You all are so great. I really needed a hug and I feel like you all gave it to me. I appreciate all of the advice and support. It always helps to know that others have felt the same way.

I feel much better today. My BF and I talked and I think part of my problem is that I've been pushing too hard and only have time to ride on the weekends. Therefore, I end up working way too hard and crashing. So, I'm going to try to fit in some indoor cycling classes during the week- I think they'll help me with my riding and I'll be able to be on a bike without others passing me- I'm also going to try to take it a little easier and not push to jump my miles and climbing up every weekend. We'll also start riding seperate routes sometimes, so that I won't feel the need to keep up and get down on myself when I can't. I can't wait to hit that hill again, but I will wait a week or so...

I will not give up cycling... my legs are just starting to look really good! But, just for today, I'm going to watch some TV and play with the goodies I just got from Nashbar. Thanks again!

[Geonz]

Um, another thought: were your tires fully inflated? YOu checked 'em right before, maybe even during the ride?

I had a pretty sucky century yesterday - my friend's first. I even thought we were going to bail because I am basically the stronger rider... if I felt this crappy, he must feel worse, eh? I checked the tires after the first loop because when I feel like I'm working too hard, usually it's the tyres. They were *fine.* He was the one who said "we're not done yet, " not me. (Um, usually I'm the cattle prod )
Now, I was getting over a cold, too... but as we took my bike off the car, the tire was seriously soft (yes, flat by a.m.). No wonder those last 15 miles were so long!

[Torrilin]

Ouch! I'd go nuts if all my riding was during the weekend.

I'm slow. I am ok with being slow, because slow on a bike is still faster than walking. Also, slow on a bike still feels like flying . I'm also a wee bit more competitive than is good for me, and an introvert. So I'm not a big fan of group rides or racing, and I love commuting and utility biking.

You'll find your own space on the bike . There are lots of options, and not everyone is cut out for every kind of biking. If you have a bad ride, it's ok. Sometimes a break lets you pull out of the negative, sometimes it doesn't. And a fall always leaves me a bit wobbly right after... usually then I want to go home right away. (and so far, going home right away has been a good call... I always manage to end up with impressive bruises that need ice)