Scared To Ride

[Grits]

Why did you almost fall? If it had anything to do with clipless pedals (I don't know if you use them or not), then get rid of them and at least eliminate that stress. If it was something else, then is it something that realistically might happen again? If so, what can you do to minimize that chance?

If you aren't crossing with a light, then wait until there is nothing coming for a good long way so you won't feel rushed. Be very visible. Perhaps find a place with less traffic to cross. Ride in neighborhoods until you get your confidence back.

As far as riding the trail, would you feel better if you carried some mace? Put a little air horn (get them in the boating section at big box stores, around $8, good for dogs, too.) on your handlebars. They make a lot of noise!

Keep riding somewhere!

[shootingstar]

Staying on a trail would be a great idea for now.

Your hubby needn't to worry.

[pll]

Here are my two cents: the anticipation is worse than reality. The longer you postpone getting on the bike again, the more ominous the highway and trail will become. Just go out again, be careful crossing that highway, and have a ton of fun. Falling on the highway is an event with a very low probability. I am guessing you have crossed it hundreds of times before without a glitch.

That Spot device sure looks intriguing. Do you carry a RoadID on your wrist?

[missjean]

Tell your husband that you already do something that is more dangerous than any of the other things that you report on in your post. You got into your car and you drove. Driving is one of the most dangerous activities anybody can do!

What is the crime rate like where you live? It sounds like it is pretty rural, and, granted, rural areas have crime, but how high really is the risk in your area?

Start small, sit on you bike in the garage; pedal down the driveway; ride around the block, then ride around two blocks, then around three blocks and before you know it, your off on adventures again.

And, chances are that nobody stopped to help the bicyclist with the flat tire because they were scared of a stranger. How’s that for some irony?