Getting over fears

[channlluv]

I actually laid my bike down trying to avoid a truck once -- I was clipped in and turning left onto a bike path, he was turning left into the lane I was about to cross, I couldn't stop very well - still learning clipping in and out at that point -- and I just fell over. He didn't hit me. I got up and walked my bike over to the sidewalk while the truck and car behind him waited on me to move out of the street.

I was embarrassed and a little banged up, but it made me focus more on stopping and unclipping at traffic lights and stop signs.

Roxy

[Catrin]

I am not afraid of "regular" bridges, but I am terrified of the mere thought of riding over one of those iron bridges that don't have a concrete or asphalt deck over the metal. I am unsure if I could even make myself ride over one, though I suppose that when I am finally faced with one that I will have no choice...Thankfully there are not many of those around

All of that being said, I have never ridden over a high-traffic bridge.

[Crankin]

Melavai, it's called exposure therapy, or desensitization. Look up specific phobia disorder.

I still get nervous when 1) I am riding in an unfamiliar area and I don't know what is coming and 2) downhills. I am better than I used to be, and I just force myself to go. Sometimes that means I am the last person down a hill, but at least I know I'm not going to be the last person up the other side .
Once I decide to do something, I do it.