trying to start all over again

[Tri Girl]

Donna- so good to see you back around.

Now get out there and ride your bike!

Ok, in all seriousness- you've been through some serious issues and you'll get back on when you're ready. I agree with MaryEllen- try going out for a 5 minute ride, then 10 minutes, then more as you feel up to it. Maybe what's keeping you from getting back on is just plain old fear. Once you get back on you might just remember how fun it is (I had a similar experience after a bad mtn bike crash- getting back on was scary but I did it the next week just to not let the fear keep lingering).

Give it another shot. I know you miss your bike and I'm certain it misses you. Don't be too hard on yourself, just try to have some fun. Big hugs to you.

[jobob]

Small steps, grasshopper.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Donna-
the good news is that your bike is 'calling' to you- that means you want to ride it....that's great!
The other good news is that yes you certainly can start all over again, and why the heck shouldn't you? Forget about 30 and 50 mile rides for now- thinking about them only makes you feel bad...and the hell with that!
Get on your bike and do a 2 or 3 mile ride, and you will feel GOOD. Then do it again a couple days later. Just do what makes you feel happy.
Trying to ride too much does not make you feel happy, and not riding at all does not make you feel happy.
You need to make riding something you enjoy again- not some ordeal or dread/guilt thing or punishment.

Go for a quicky little ride and feel good about it!

[redrhodie]

Donna-
the good news is that your bike is 'calling' to you- that means you want to ride it....that's great!
The other good news is that yes you certainly can start all over again, and why the heck shouldn't you? Forget about 30 and 50 mile rides for now- thinking about them only makes you feel bad...and the hell with that!
Get on your bike and do a 2 or 3 mile ride, and you will feel GOOD. Then do it again a couple days later. Just do what makes you feel happy.
Trying to ride too much does not make you feel happy, and not riding at all does not make you feel happy.
You need to make riding something you enjoy again- not some ordeal or dread/guilt thing or punishment.

Go for a quicky little ride and feel good about it!

+1. Very well said.

I have discovered over the years that my favorite length ride is around 20 miles. I feel like I've gotten a workout, but the bike hasn't taken over my life.

[momtohanna]

Hey Donna ~

I agree with everyone else ~ just go for a quick ride. That's how it all starts. If your enjoyment stays at short rides ~ cool ~ at least you're on your bike and moving. No one says you have to be doing 30 mile rides.

Can't wait to hear about your bike reunion. You can and WILL do it, when it's right for you. Be patient and kind to yourself.

[graceomalley]

I agree with everyone else. My first ride was around my BLOCK. Then I started exploring farther and finally crossed the street to join one of our trails.

Just give yourself permission to get on and ride TODAY, no matter what your weight. No one is going to think twice except to say, "Good for her -- she's not on the couch with a bag of Doritos." This is what I tell myself and it works for me.

Hugs to you Donna and I hope you get out there today and ride!

[momtohanna]

Grace makes a good point ~ give yourself permission to get around your blocks so you can ride.

I had a huge block about riding through the gravel to get to the road, it kept me at really short trips for fear I wouldn't have the energy to get back home.

When I finally gave myself permission to just drive to the road with my bike and then ride I finally started accomplishing some of my goals.

Give yourself permission and don't judge yourself. You are awesome and you can do it.

[Crankin]

I have found that whenever I have a bad attitude toward riding, instead of getting on my road bike and riding for fitness, I get on my hybrid and do an errand. Sometimes these rides are as short as 7 miles, other times they are 15 miles. All I know is that having a destination or purpose and being on a bike that forces me to go slower cures me of the bad attitude. I feel like a kid again and am usually ready to get on my road bike the next time.