fear

[Trekhawk]

ok everyone. I ACTUALLY DID IT. i rode my bike for the first time out in the road. me and my BF went early this morning, he wanted to take me when there was limited traffic. he road races a lot and rides on the track too, so i really felt looked after. he kept checking in with me, looking back to make sure i was ok, he rarely took his eyes off me, except to check the intersections. i did great. i didn't fall, and i stopped and clipped out beautifully at the stoplights. he took me down a little windy path, and i got a little tense, but i had sense enough to slow down, think and clip out before i fell. i didn't fall once. i was so proud of myself.
i would like to thank all of you for your kindness and encouragement. it really propelled me out there today. my fear is a huge hurdle, and i feel i have at least taken one step in jumping over it. i still have a long way to go, baby steps all the way.
thank you again,
goddess1222

goddess - glad to hear your ride went well. I smiled when I read your first post because it sounded like me when I started. I found my heart racing before a ride just thinking about stopping at stop signs etc. I started by always riding early in the morning and on Sundays when the traffic was at a minimum. When I started feeling a little better and more comfortable I started riding later in the day. Now I ride when ever I can fit it in. I still try to avoid heavy traffic areas as I always ride on my own and sometimes drivers seem to be blind when it comes to single riders.
Hoping to hear more or your riding tales.
Happy and safe riding.
Trekhawk

[Adventure Girl]

Hoping to hear more or your riding tales.

That probably isn't going to happen. This thread is from October / November 2002. goddess1222 has not posted since 11/26/03.

[Trekhawk]

That probably isn't going to happen. This thread is from October / November 2002. goddess1222 has not posted since 11/26/03.

aah see I have to stop reading the forum and doing stuff for the kids at the same time. Thanks for pointing that out.

[jobob]

I think it's kind of fun when old threads are resurrected, inadvertently or otherwise.

Then again, some threads just never die ...

I imagine it's about time for the Diva Cup thread to resurface

[cindysue]

welcome back!

Consider contacting one of your local representatives from the League of American Bicyclists: (I looked up Portland Oregon on their website)

They may be able to tell you when the next "road skills" clinic is. Scroll down for a description of classes offered by LAB

Steve Durrant LCI #: 871
Alta Planning + Design
Bicycle Transportation Specialist
Portland, OR
Phone: 503-984-1995
steve.durrant@earthlink.net


Scott Bricker LCI #: 826
Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Education and Policy Director
Portland, OR
scott@bta4bikes.org
www.bta4bikes.org


Hal Ballard LCI #: 815
Washington County BTC, Chair
Portland, OR
Phone: 503.984.1761
bicyclist@comcast.net
http:www.washcobtc.org/


Terry Nobbe LCI #: 195
Portland, OR
Phone: 503-977-2715
tandemist@comcast.net

Road I

This basic 9 hour course is perfect as a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The 9 hour class includes learning how to perform a bicycle safety check, fixing a flat, interactive discussion, on-bike skills practice and student manual. Students will gain confidence knowing that they are riding legally and safely. Crash avoidance techniques and crash types will be discussed. Recommended for adults and children above 14.

Road II

For more advanced students with an understanding of vehicular cycling principles, this 12 hour course includes fitness and physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals included with each class.

Commuting

For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This three hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Included with the class are handouts and student materials.

[MountainandRoad]

I've road ridden for years, and whoever wrote that mountain biking has its own set of fears was right on. Unclipping upon stopping and safely navigating especially in traffic is second nature to me now (it helps not to ride in areas of congested traffic or times of peak commuter/weekend traffic) but unclipping from my mountain bike is a different challenge altogether, because for the most part, you can't unclip early and anticipate when you want release. I have an underlying fear of the bigger critters on the trail too, I see rattlesnakes on a regular basis, and there have been numerous mountain lion sightings in our area. Not to mention riding with pepper spray in the event that I am confronted by the male of the species when out riding the trails alone. I've thought alot about how I would defend myself if threatened by any eventuality. Its a great suggestion to ride with someone both on the road and moreso on the trail, but in my situation, that is hardly ever possible, and if I wait to find someone to ride with, I don't get to go. I've found the best way to overcome your fears is to try to anticipate and prepare for any contingency based upon common sense as well as other's experience, and go out there and face them...can't live your life not doing things because of fear...on the flip side of that idea is the idea that no one should be foolhardy...trolling unprepared or unaware for mountian lions or riding alone without the necessary plan B isn't a good idea either. When I ride alone I carry cell phone, small gps, pepper spray, CO2 cart for quick flat fix, essentials of 1st aid kit, practiced at quick flat fix, be alert to all that is going on around me...

[goddess1222]

oh God!!! where have i been without these boards? you are all so amazing! i would like to say thank you to each of you for lifting my spirits through the roof! CindySue, i appreciate the information on who to contact for skills training. i knew we had the BTA, but didn't know they threw skills training courses.

also, Susan, our ever present and supportive den mother. yes, i want to ride with you and some of your girlfriends. absolutely! preferably away from major traffic, as it has been a while (clipping in and out). i am home sick this week, but please contact me through private message and we will set a date.

my main fear is falling from not clipping out, or panicking. guess it's time to get back in that abandoned parking lot and practice.

to all of you: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND SUCH A WARM WELCOME BACK. I AM TRULY BLESSED! and i don't even know any of you personally, and i feel such a sisterhood to you all.

[DeniseGoldberg]

my main fear is falling from not clipping out, or panicking...

Well, the good news is that if you fall from not clipping out, you're not going to break a leg by sticking it out to catch yourself! Just reading this made me remember my own initial experience with clipless pedals. I only fell once due to not clipping out. Luckily it was on a lightly traveled road, and when I tipped over I went toward the edge of the road. I wasn't hurt, but it took me a minute to recover and stand up again because I was laughing so hard (at myself). Of course it would be better if you don't fall, but...

I hope that your fear will go away quickly. Have fun getting back into cycling.

--- Denise

[Dogmama]

Well, the good news is that if you fall from not clipping out, you're not going to break a leg by sticking it out to catch yourself!

Yup, the biggest injury is to the ego. I always looked around to make sure I didn't know anybody at the stop lights...

BTW, if you must fall, be sure that you do not stick your arm out to catch yourself or you might break something. Better to tuck in & roll - think of how a football player falls.

[BikeMomma]

....and i don't even know any of you personally, and i feel such a sisterhood to you all.

That's TE....Sisterhood! Enjoy your ride(s) with Den Mom (Susan )...practice makes fun, not just perfect!
- BikeMomma

[ayermail2]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Glad you had fun and enjoyed your road ride and the clipping went smoothly.....see ya' on the road!

[zephyr]

That's great!!
...and the *BEST* part is, it's going to get easier and easier.
Yay For You!!

[Joycily]

Woo hoo! Congratulations!

[RMCrook]

I think the first thing you have to recognize is what exactly is it that you're afraid of? I had a terrible fear of falling off the bike. It didn't keep me from riding but it was in the back of my mind all the time. Then, out of no where, I fell, head of heels. Bumped my head, got a swollen eye, bruised hip and several scabs. However I did get up and walk away. It wasn't so bad. Now I can brag to my 24 year old son that I've taken some bumps to. Recognize your fear and research it a bit. Good luck

[ladyfish]

test of board