fear

[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

[jobob]

It worked. Hello there !

[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

[DirtDiva]

Which one?

[goddess1222]

fortunately, the threads that are resurrected are automatically sent to those who subscribe on that thread. yes, this goddess1222 is still around, but the old fear came back when i got sick 2 years ago, after taking some long rides. (long story). i haven't ridden in about a year. but, how funny this thread popped up, because my bike is staring at me waiting for me to ride. these boards were a lifesaver for me when i was first starting out. now, maybe they will help save me again. i have been thinking about jumping back in the game...... divine coincidence? hmmmmmmm.......

[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.

[Trekhawk]

fortunately, the threads that are resurrected are automatically sent to those who subscribe on that thread. yes, this goddess1222 is still around, but the old fear came back when i got sick 2 years ago, after taking some long rides. (long story). i haven't ridden in about a year. but, how funny this thread popped up, because my bike is staring at me waiting for me to ride. these boards were a lifesaver for me when i was first starting out. now, maybe they will help save me again. i have been thinking about jumping back in the game...... divine coincidence? hmmmmmmm.......

Glad to have you back. So I might get to hear some of your cycle tales after all.

[BikeMomma]

Goddess -

Looks like Cindy found some great resouces in your area for you to (re)start from (thanks Cindy ). I'd say take the new year by the horns and go for it! You'll feel so much better and you'll quiet the guilt you feel every time you look at that beautiful, lonely bike. I used to feel that every time I'd pull the car into the garage -- I'd look over at the bike wishing I could ride. Well one day I asked myself "why not??" and the rest is history. You can do it too! Conquer those fears...you're stronger than you know!

Best of luck!
- BikeMomma