Newbie... Riding Anxiety?

[Crankin]

Yes, I have been through this and it comes up once in awhile if I am riding with a group in unfamiliar territory. I don't like the feeling of "not knowing where I am."
Since I have been riding for 9 years, I know it goes away. Some good deep breathing and visualization of the "good" way you feel when you actually get on the bike will help. It really helped me when I first started. My HR used to go up to 90 just sitting down and putting my bike shoes on, when I first started riding!

[Biciclista]

make plans to ride with others, then you can't talk yourself out of it as easily. I have these demons too. it's worse after a bit of a layoff. when you start riding regularly, it gets better. For me it's different depending on which bike i am riding!
I'm used to Cavalletta, so it's easier to ride that bike, the others are more scary.

[hilldweller]

I'm getting back into biking and sometimes feel a bit as you've described, though it's lessening all the time. A couple of suggestions:
- start with rides you find easy, on roads you're familiar with
- ride with a friend or a beginner group if you can find one
- wear a high viz jacket or vest so you know other traffic will see you easily
- get someone to show you how to change a tube, practise at home until you're confident, and always carry a spare tube and tire levers with you (seatbag is usually the easiest place to put them, then they're there on the bike all the time). Changing a tube really isn't a big deal once you know how.

[Zen]

make plans to ride with others, then you can't talk yourself out of it as easily.

That works well.I know exactly what you're feeling which is why I haven't gotten many miles in yet this year.

[redrhodie]

I had the same problem when I started riding. I'd get nervous before each ride. I read this book, which is not at all cycling related:

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Habit.../dp/0743235266

Tharp's approach to doing anything creative is to make it a routine, like brushing your teeth. This has worked well for me with many things, but especially cycling. On days I'm going to ride, I dress, pump my tires, brush my teeth, and get on the bike. No hesitation allowed. You can come up with a million reasons not to ride if you let yourself. Fear is just one of them.