My ride's gone ka-blooey

[JoyfulGirl]

Hi, I don't have any bike specific advice but I wanted to wish you luck. Don't have experience specifically being hurt biking and afraid to try again.. But yesterday I tried to deal with a phobia of my own and did a terrible job of it. Was actually thinking about it while I was reading posts here.
I can empathise with the PTSD.. Sometimes even unrelated things open up a mouth to hell of other things which are overwhelming beyond reason and beyond what started the downward spiral of worry or even flat out terror. All of my sympathies.
Wanted to let you know though, that somehow reading your post has made me more confident about overcoming my own phobia. Other people have done it, You can do it. And I'll be able to do it to. Sorry if this comes across as naively optimistic. Your post has helped me relax about my own fear... Thank you for that.

[Nanci]

Hey LLB- I can totally understand the part about working at the brain rehab place. I worked in an ER for 10 years- I was afraid of diving, running my horse too fast, motorcycles, mowing with a tractor, changing lanes on a bridge, running the furnace in our motorhome- you name it!!

Nanci

[latelatebloomer]

You all have helped me so much. I felt like such a coward - now I can tell myself it's just part of the normal healing process and let it unfold. I know I'm not a quitter. Thank you so much for understanding and being there.

I've been wondering about putting some wider tires on my bike...The woman who sold me this bike gave me a fatter set and thought they'd be a good idea since I was such a beginner. Ride leader said, "Naw, you're fine." (He's a good guy, but he's never been in my shoes in terms of being a...well, a late, late bloomer.) Now I'm wondering if I need the extra stability. But I sure don't want to feel like I'm on a hybrid again. Thoughts?

[DeniseGoldberg]

How narrow are the tires on your bike now? And how much of a difference with the wider set that you have?

I'm actually not convinced that a switch in tires will help, although if you think that will make you more comfortable then go for it! It sounds like you do want to continue riding; you may just need to give yourself some more time. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that - it takes time to get over crashes like yours. I don't know how to tell you to do this, but please try not to let fear take over. Take the time you need, but plan to rejoin your bike rolling down the road.

I almost think that I was lucky in my own recovery because I actually don't remember the accident. I wanted to get back on my bike right away but I had to wait for some healing first; maybe that served as a built-in getting mentally prepared to get back on my bike.

I'm joining everyone else in sending healing (and soothing) thoughts your way.
--- Denise

[latelatebloomer]

Denise, I'll measure those tires and get back to you. I did my most relaxed neighborhood cruise yet tonight - on the hybrid. I found a bit of metal in the rear tire of my roadbike, and was all geared to ride - so I just changed shows and pulled down my Cypress. It was like riding that gentle old pony that never threw you...It felt weird to be so upright and high off the road - victorian, even - enjoyable, too. I'll just keep at it, get my tire fixed, and keep visualizing safe, confident, beautiful rides.


(ps to joyfulgirl - I spent years dealing with dental phobia. It took a lot of attempts and setbacks. pm me if you want to talk about it. If I can sit in the big chair for a crown, you can deal with your phobia, too. It is like me getting back my ride, it will take the time it needs to take )

[Grog]

Denise, I'll measure those tires and get back to you.

The width is printed or embossed somewhere on the side of your tire, something like 700 X 35... Easier than measuring!

[susiej]

LLB, I think you're pretty brave for getting back on!

The thought of falling terrifies me so much it took four years to move my seat position into something approaching the right height! And the first time each year on the road bike, feeling like my hips are higher than my head?

Best of luck with recovery on and off the bike!