Wow, I didn't really expect to get so many comments, but I'm really glad! We talk about bike issues, etc, but don't often mention actual riding difficulties, so this is good!  Everyone is different and rides a little differently.  But there have been some great comments, so I will keep everything in mind.  

I've been riding for a little over a year, well except for the 4 winter months of no riding!  haha  Put about 2000 miles on my bike is all.  I think I just had a bad day.  But I made it home safely, and that's the important part.  And I had a beer when I got home!  (Charon, don't worry, I'm not a drinker and driver.  Would not have more than one beer, and only with dinner, if I were riding!)

Suzi - I have always been more comfortable riding in front of hubby instead of behind, because I think he can adjust to what I do better than I can adjust to what he does.  If I slow down, he adjusts easily.  And I may not be able to go as fast as he can go, so it has seemed better for me to set the pace.  He can also watch me better from behind, and make suggestions.  In the Safety course, they also mentioned that new riders should ride near the front, when riding with a group. But now that I have more time under my belt, it might be a good time to try a different position.  I can always yell at him through the headset.    

Thanks everyone for your concern, comments, and suggestions!  

Try re-riding the same road in the daytime a couple of times, see that it isn't really all that scary and try to get some of your confidence back.

=================

Fear is fear -- I always get real tentative & gitchy after a near wreck episode and it takes some intentional effort on my part to get over it.    Weeks, sometimes.

After my bike got smacked in the butt and damaged I lost confidence in it for a while until I got it fixed up again and finally got over my collywobbles.

Fear is fear, don't expect it to be rational or to go away instantly because it won't.   Fear is a response that is designed to keep you alive -- it just is what it is.

Name it, acknowledge it, understand it and work through it.

yep, I get skeered too -- be foolish not to.

I have to agree.  I ride everyday to work (and even after work for fun).  It is somewhat strange that on some days I get on the road, and I feel great.  Relaxed, comfortable, focused, and being a bike feels very natural.  Other days, I feel very uneasy, and unfocused.  Not really sure why that is, cause I don't see any clear variable in what make these two types of days different.

Also, was your husband riding in front?  Was he pushing you beyond your comfort zone?  Sometimes riding with others can get me uneasy... trying hard to stay in group and at the same time not go outside my comfort zone.

I just learned to not ride as much on days where I feel "off" and take it easy.

Hope you have a better ride this weekend.

Starlifter wrote on 05/06/10 at 08:33:06:

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 05/07/10 at 12:36:36:

I also always heard that you put the inexperienced riders in front.  That way they're not trying to keep up with more experienced riders who may not realize just how fast they're going.

I always take it easy on unfamiliar roads, and even familiar ones if you have blind corners, or haven't been over the road in a while.  Conditions can change.  Case in point, one of my favorite back roads with some nice little twisties.  Last summer they decided to do some quick and cheap patch jobs on the road, as in: throw down some tar, throw some loose rock on top, let gravity finish the job.  Take those corners fast, you'll be kissin' a tree!

And ditto on the not drinking.  Alcohol affect balance, and you need all of that you can get on a bike!

Transitional pavement is un-nerving for most folks, me included if it's one after the other that just seems to go on.  The unknown traction differences really toys with your ability to just ride since you have to evaluate each area differently.  The slower speeds are appropriate.

And glasses are the way to go.  Way too much dust, grit, grass etc. floating around that gets sucked into the helmet and somehow always finds it's way to your eyes.

.

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 05/09/10 at 08:11:05:


So how do think the ditch felt about it?  And all the little animals there in?

Phelonius

Phelonius wrote on 05/09/10 at 09:45:02:




I appologized to all involved & promised to never so rudely invade their space again.