Getting Back in the Saddle

you just need to build up your confidence again, keep trying, just ride your brakes until you start to feel confident again.  it will take some time.  i only had one semi-serious crash (knock on wood), didn't have any broken bones but a heckuvalotta road rash and about 6 or 8 stiches.  took me a little while, but now i don't feel a lot of fear of crashing.

Well I'm glad to hear that you eventually got over your fear- that's what I'm hoping for!!

:D

I have never crashed...never.  I'm terrified of crashing so I don't do things that just scream...if this doesn't work...BOOOM!  Of course, being the Captain of Team Gravity for so many years does get me going downhill fast.  LOL 

So, prior to your crash you did things I wish I did.  You are a strong spirit.  Give it some time, keep the climbs and descents to a level you can feel comfortable and build up.  If you can find a coach to help...do it.  

Hang in there! 

Thanks, yeah I'm still a BIG girl so I fly down hills without even trying- I got up to 47mph this past summer!

I really appreciate the support and I am looking into getting some coaching, maybe the one-on-one support is something I need...

 so far my crashes only happen when I stop and forget I am clipped in (which also gives me an irrational fear of stopping :)  )  In all seriousness, I guess its similar to how people react after car wrecks, but after time that nervousness will go away.   Wish I lived near you so we could go for a ride together, I guess doing some rides with friends together would be the best approach.  In the meantime, how bout a virtual hug and a pat on the back and a word that you'll get back there!  :)  

LOL Andrew, I think everyone does a couple of those falls- you're not alone!

I so want to find a ride where all of us EnF'rs could do it together!!

Thanks for the hug, I will ride with friends as much as possible.

:D

Danni-

I'm glad you are healing, and I hate that you are struggling with fear.  However, this is a normal reaction to "lesson learned" from previous experience.  Don't let the fear cripple you!  For now, and maybe for a long time, just ride up hill and walk your bike down.  Then you wont have the stress of thinking about the descent.  Maybe you'll want to ride downhill again?  Maybe not.  But you can always walk downhill and enjoy all the rest riding.

Maybe a technique class will help to validate that you are doing everything correctly to ensure the most safe ride possible?

I once busted it bad roller blading and never put them on again-couldn't get over the fear--and I finally realized that was okay--that chapter is closed and now I'm on to other activities I enjoy.  I love to run, but due to arthritis, I'm afraid to run downhill (due to pain and lack of stability) so I just walk downhill--I can tear up going uphill like nobodies business!  

I guess the moral of the story is modify to bring the enjoyment factor up and the fear factor down.  Keep healing and keep us posted!!

Kim

Kim,

I totally thought about walking down the hill, but I have these awesome carbon road shoes that have absolutely NO traction and I would've had to do it in socks or bare feet...ugg...

I am taking a class this weekend, and I really hope it helps build my confidence back up. I like your point about modifying it though. I've been thinking about finding hills where there isn't such a downhill so that I can still get my climbing in.

Thank for the support!!

:D

Way to go Danni!

Can't really help, I too an scared of downhills, and vicious dogs. I rode my brakes down all the hills at ironman Louisville, and I have never crashed. My fear of vicious dogs is stronger than my fear of hills though. It practically controls my life, and I can only run and ride in places that I know there is no chance of a dog being there.

Those crazy dogs chasing after you- now THAT is another totally valid fear! I don't blame you for wanting to avoid that. Are you guys out of that area yet?

And as for braking, I'm scared to ride my brakes too much because you can heat up the rim and blow a tire....scary when you're flying at 40+ mph!!!

:D