Getting back in the saddle....

[Blueberry]

I still don't have lots of answers, and I'm still having some difficulties. 2 more cyclists were killed in a hit and run within the last week in my area. They have not caught the driver. And a well known rando rider was hit here not long ago, and has a very long recovery ahead from the sounds of it. Her most recent blog
post pretty much sums up what I'm feeling with regard to biking (minus the tremendous pain and rehab she has ahead of her, of course).

[tulip]

(((Blueberry))) I felt the same way earlier this year. It took getting out of the country for a few months to a place where cyclists are respected for me to overcome my fears. That's not a realistic option for everyone, though.

As for conditioning, I really like spin classes. I find them much more effective (and way less boring) than a trainer. Off-road or gravel riding would also be a good option.

[rebeccaC]

I wouldn’t force myself back into bicycling until I was ready psychologically. Just as everyone recovers from physical injuries at different rates, everyone requires a different amount of time to recover from psychological trauma. Maybe take up another activity, yoga, long walks etc. to keep up your fitness level until you’re ready to bike again.

I second the idea of off road trail riding. That may help with building your confidence level up, keep you fit and might open up more bike adventures for you. For riding on the road maybe do it in small groups, friends/bike clubs, to feel the safety of numbers.

I also second the idea of seeking professional help if not being able to bike without feeling very anxious continues for very long. A professional can help you by analyzing where your fears are coming from, helping you face your fears and teaching you techniques or exercises to help you through your anxiety and build your confidence up.

Part of my identity comes from bicycling. It’s an outlet for my emotions (sometimes even needing physical pain to eclipse physiological pain) and it builds my physical strength, inner strength and confidence. If I found myself unable to ride because of a physiological trauma I would certainly go to a professional to help me work through it, just like I would for a physical problem that kept me from riding.

Hoping you find your way back to bicycling soon Blueberry!!!!!!!

[shootingstar]

It's awful about the latest cycling fatalities and injuries in your area, Blueberry.

Give yourself time. In the mean time, hope you will pursue other non-cycling passions.

[Wahine]

(((((Blueberry)))))

I hear you. I struggle with these thoughts all the time. I'm fortunate enough to live in a place where these things happen infrequently. But they happen and I find myself increasingly anxious when riding. Mostly when riding with others because unfortunately, the riders around here are often unsafe in their behavior, so I've pretty much stopped riding with other people.

I'll be thinking of you and hoping you find a way past his.

[emily_in_nc]

I still don't have lots of answers, and I'm still having some difficulties. 2 more cyclists were killed in a hit and run within the last week in my area. They have not caught the driver. And a well known rando rider was hit here not long ago, and has a very long recovery ahead from the sounds of it. Her most recent blog
post pretty much sums up what I'm feeling with regard to biking (minus the tremendous pain and rehab she has ahead of her, of course).

Oh wow, Blueberry, thank you for posting Pamela's blog -- we'd followed her touring blogs for a long time but lost touch and had no idea she'd had such a serious accident. How awful -- thank goodness she is ALIVE. But her thoughts about all the distracted drivers do echo what everyone else has been saying on this and other threads here. It's a real problem, and as a result, I'm enjoying trail riding (like the Michelson, which we were fortunate enough to ride for three days here in South Dakota in the past week+) more than road riding these days, and doing more of it. I don't know how much more road riding I see in my future, to be honest.

[Catrin]

{{{Blueberry}}} so sad. I certainly identify with her thoughts on distracted drivers. In the last several weeks there have been 4 terrible accidents involving cyclists in the same area that I've become accustomed to riding. I am seriously considering only riding in Eagle Creek Park these days and not riding on surface streets at all. I find it confining to limit my riding to a park - even if I CAN milk ~7ish miles out of one full loop but that is far preferable... I guess I see more trail running and gym work in my future.

[tulip]

A cyclist was killed the other day in my town. All the reports say he "swerved into the path of a pickup truck." We will never know his side of the story, though.

But I refuse to stop riding. The more people who ride, the more visible we will all be. I'm cautious but I have gotten over my fears that kept me at home. Take care, Blueberry, and give yourself the time you need. Figure out another way to stay active and fit. I know my confidence (on the bike and in life) takes a nosedive when I stop exercising and loose fitness. So start riding in the woods or taking a spin class or doing zumba or whatever. When you get your bike-riding mojo back, your body will be ready.

[Blueberry]

Thank you everyone! I am focusing on other things, but still moving. I have long had knee issues (patella-femoral syndrome) and I am working with an amazing PT to resolve those (I feel like I'm rebuilding from the ground up). She is helping me re-build a lot of my core strength and fix muscle imbalances. The goal is to have me running - but for now, I'm easing back into Pilates, taking really, absurdly long walks (mostly with my DH) and doing some gym exercises (elliptical, etc.). I am planning to add swimming back in too. I haven't even been on the bike trainer in a while. It will be there - and I do think I will be back eventually. Things are just too raw, and I need some time. If I get to a point where I really want to ride and the fear is stopping me, I will seek professional help. But - for now - I am moving, and letting myself feel what I need to feel.

[emily_in_nc]

That's good, Blueberry...sounds like you are doing all the right things for now. When it's time to ride again, I have no doubt that you'll ride.

[Blueberry]

I actually got on my bike for a whole 2 miles today A friend was running his first 5k and I went to cheer and take pictures. Parking was tight - it made sense. And I was fine! Still not sure about long rides, but things are definitely getting better!