Getting back in the saddle....

[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!

[rebeccaC]

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!

It's good to read that!!!!

[Crankin]

Blueberry, I have found that during any time that I couldn't make myself ride (mine were for other reasons), the way I got myself back on the bike was to dolots of little errand rides, rides to appointments, or the gym etc.
It worked. One summer I think I had 700 miles of these types of rides.