My ride's gone ka-blooey

[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!

[tprevost]

LLB,

You are doing a great job of working through your fear! I don't have a bike fall to blame but earlier this year I was rollerblading on a downhill that was way beyond my skill level and I fell and broke my arm. I started riding my bike again before I even got my cast off but let me tell ya, decents are very scary for me. I am scared of getting out of control again; HOWEVER, I have been working very hard on this, visualizing a smooth trouble free decent (sometimes I have to remind myself to do this!) and I take it slowly. I have improved dramatically since March and even though I still have a long way to go, I know I will get there... and you will too!

Take things slowly and at your own pace and your confidence will return! Keep us posted, we are cheering for you!

Tracy

[bcipam]

As someone whose also had her share of bad crashes (and some of which I don't remember which I agree is a good thing) I just don't ride like I use to. I ride more cautiously and am not willing to take certain risks. I'm old and frankly just don't relish having to go back through disability and surgery again. BUT... I never stopped riding. OK yes I stopped when I physically was not able, but once approved to return to the bike I was back on. I took it easy. I didn't try to do too much until I as ready. While mountain biking, if I got scared, I walked. I didn't let anyone bully me into doing something I didn't want to do. It's taken some time but my confidence is returning. I'm even taking some risks on my mountain bike. Bottom line work on skills, don't push to much but get on your bike and ride. Only way to get back in and on the saddle! Hang in there, the fear will lessen and the joy will return.