Back to start over for the 3rd time.

[HermitGirl]

I think you need to just go for a ride. Don't overthink it. There's nothing wrong with driving to the ride start if that's what works best for you. Just pick a date and time and go. And don't try to do anything other than have some fun.

Yes, I will just go for a ride. Starting tomorrow, I will ride my 'first' ride again, and will schedule the same ride in several times next week too. Maybe then the following week, I'll go down to the bottom of the steep section , and go for longer. The hardest part is just squeezing into my cycling clothes (though along the way over last 5 yrs I've bought much larger sizes, still !) , and get the pedals going around....

With the gentle encouragement, and sometimes whipping snap of "Just Do It!" from you riders, I'll be able to do this.

[maillotpois]

Sounds like you definitely have a commitment to your dog to start the hiking up regularly and you have time to fit in rides as you are able. I suggest not even thinking about how many miles you are doing and trying not to compare to what you used to be able to do. Just ride for fun. With the hiking and the biking, fitness will come.

Have fun with it; don't let it make you feel bad.

[HermitGirl]

Sounds like you definitely have a commitment to your dog to start the hiking up regularly and you have time to fit in rides as you are able. I suggest not even thinking about how many miles you are doing and trying not to compare to what you used to be able to do. Just ride for fun. With the hiking and the biking, fitness will come.Have fun with it; don't let it make you feel bad.

Yes, this needs to be my mantra, to "ride for fun", (though it's not fun right now, it's a chore and a half to get myself squeezed into riding clothes, on my bike, drive down the mtn, etc)... but I have faith it will be fun again, perhaps soon, riding FROM HOME, like I always dreamed of. Thank you.