Getting over fears

[clarkbar]

I'm afraid of hills and traffic plus I have a hard time with left hand singles. Afraid cause the bike wobbles. Suggestions?

[bikefam2]

I'm not to thrilled with downhills and traffic either, and find that I have a hard time with the hand singles. It does cause the bike to wobble. I'm getting a lot of advice from people around me who are serious riders & racers and they say to practice practice practice!! So I'm riding in an area where I feel comfortable...plus I have to get use to my new bike fit....

[Velocivixen]

I have increased my doses of downhills slowly. I literally talk myself through them. I tell myself to hold on to the hand grips, relax my shoulders, breathe (not hold my breath), scan ahead for rocks, sticks, potholes, etc.. I remind myself that there is no reason why I will crash (my fear is that I'll lose control and crash!). I tell myself, "see, you're doing fine, no worries, this is refreshing". When I'm smiling at the bottom of the slope I congratulate myself on a job well done! Hey, whatever works right?