My ride's gone ka-blooey

[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.

[latelatebloomer]

You are all so super! I just LOVE having this kind of support!! (can I post an OT thread the next time I send a manuscript out? )

I checked my tires tonight. The front is (Pararacer)700x23c, back (Continental2000) 700x25c. The other set I have are (Michelin)700x25c - but that's same as my back tire and only 2c wider than the front. The spare set seems new or newer with a touch more tread - the tires I have now seem very slick to me (but my other bike is a hybrid.)

So, the original question was, would wider tires give more more stability (and now, confidence) as I get through this first season on a road bike? What do you all think? If it helps with the equation, this is a Giant OCR3, I think the size is a small, and I am about 5'5" and a muscular size 18-ish. Not a gifted child in terms of balance or coordination. I spaz easily.

[Duck on Wheels]

My 2c: You know you can ride on skinny tires, but if you would feel more comfortable on wider ones then you could probably have just about the same speed on wider slicks. They'd be a bit more stable, less likely to tip you over just for a little crack or pebble in the road. I'm on substantially wider slicks now and thinking of working my way down as I gain confidence -- this thanks to the advice of a couple of experts: my sister and her lbs-owner, Chris Robinson (bike mechanic to the "gods"). Anyways ... go with what feels good. Try some wider tires and if it re-boosts your confidence then problem solved.