Back and ready for new season

[deanywalker21]

Shannon,

I can related. A few of years ago I crashed on a hill (during a group ride) after a knee gave out and I could not get unclipped from my pedals. I spent the balance of the season healing my knee and my ego. I was so afraid of hills that I was driving my car to "flatland" neighborhoods so that I could ride and avoid hills. It took the balance of that season and the next to get my confidence back (it did not help that I had learned to ride as an adult). I have found group rides too stressful and avoid them as much as possible. I enjoy riding by myself and in lower traffic areas. I think this is more about learning to ride at age 51 than anything...more fears and phobias. I still feel some anxiety when approaching hills and have bailed more than a few times, rather than risking panic and another fall. If I did not enjoy riding so very much it would have been easier to put the bikes away and never ride again. Last year I started commuting by bike part of my daily trek to/from work. There is this one hill that freaks me out, but to avoid it I have to spend 2 additional miles on a state highway and it has become mind over matter.

[redrhodie]

I would just ride alone for a while, and keep it fun and easy. Avoid your stressors and build your confidence up. I would normally suggest commuting, but if you're in a city, it may be too stressful if there's a lot of traffic. I'd ride when there was as little traffic as possible. Choose the road less travelled. The more relaxed you can keep things, the more you'll look forward to getting on your bike.

[pinsonp2]

Shannon,

I remember the big grin on your face with your new Ruby. That was priceless. I hope you get that same joy back soon. Take it at your own pace and always enjoy the ride.

P2

[Bike Writer]

Shannon,

I empathize with you fully. I've had a couple of health issues and a large personal issue as well that I am working on putting behind me. I also dislike group rides for the same reason, I don't keep up well because I'm a slow rider and struggle with hills, it's demoralizing to be in them so I ride solo or with just one or two friends. So I have to say I feel like I'm starting all over again. I've found my spark in my ride last Saturday when I got off the beaten path for real and did some exploring. I love to explore new places and it made my ride and makes me want to ride again.