Newbie... Riding Anxiety?

[tctrek]

I have never been brave enough to ride by myself! I used to panic so much before a ride and DH was so calm and "ho hum"... it really ticked me off! Then he got an idea for us to ride with 2 way radios. We have a little radio that tucks into our back jersey pocket and a little headset. He started talking me through the spots where I was "skeered". If I'm giving up on a hill, he talks me up it. My hearing is really bad, so when we go out without the radios I'm always screaming "What?" to him.

Anyway, I'm probably a drastic example of anxiety and panic, but I think the general advice to find someone to ride with, someone who you can confide in and who is calm enough to talk you through it, is great.

I've been riding a little over a year now and no longer panic... but we still use the radios to chat with each other on the rides that are more than an hour or two.

[Karma007]

You're not alone! I was actually a very confident rider (40 miles alone? No problem!) However,about 6 weeks ago, I was struck by a car and I am having some trouble getting back on the bike. I was never afraid before, and now I am. I've gone out once, and, had I been riding with others, would have been dangerous. I was so twitchy it was sad, and every intersection was paralyzing. I was going to try again this weekend, but it got away from me. I'm thinking my next ride will be very low traffic, since that is what I'm struggling with.Hang in there; we'll do it together!