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Post by unlimited on Apr 19, 2008 14:55:48 GMT -5
How did you/do you get over the FEAR of riding on the road? I love running on the road, but am seriously terrified of riding my bike!! I know I will love it once I get on with it, but I am so scared! Everytime a car goes by, my heart races. Do you just get more comfortable out there the more you ride, or were you never scared in the first place?
The more I read on here about what all of you experienced ones do as far as training and race times, I think, "What in the hell am I thinking"!!!!!! I am WAY out of my league. There is no way I can do this.
Any advice?
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Post by Aussie Rob on Apr 19, 2008 15:01:56 GMT -5
To be honest, i never really thought about it. Cars are just there.
It might sound harsh, and i don't mean it to be.....but i think it's just a matter of sucking it up and getting out there. You'll get used to it im sure. Just be predictable and wear bright colors. Perhaps hit the metroparks the first few times as cars are used to dealing with the multitude of riders down there, and traffic is lighter.
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Post by MarkD on Apr 19, 2008 16:02:31 GMT -5
I was a little anxious early on, but, I don't fret it anymore - just practice good dilagence on the road.
Hopefully, its not a phobia...
Hopefully it will pass.
md
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Post by Charlie on Apr 19, 2008 18:06:27 GMT -5
I am honestly terrified of the road. The sad thing is my two worst accident were entirely my fault.
The best thing I can do with my fears of the road is to maintain focus and caution. I don't think the fear is irrational.
As far as the second thought goes. There are no leagues. Triathlon is all inclusive.
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Post by debbie on Apr 19, 2008 18:52:17 GMT -5
Try riding with a group
Luckly I have no fear of the road, but I usually ridie with someone or group.
debbie
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Post by chuckm on Apr 19, 2008 21:48:46 GMT -5
I've been riding for almost 25 years. Never been hit, but the older I get, and the more accidents I've heard of, the less comfortable I've become on the road. I started mountain biking about 14 years ago, but haven't ridden real singletrack much the past few years. But I do ride the MTB way more than the road bike. The Towpath and hike & bike trail are very close to home and I ride the Metropark all puropse trail alot too. All away from the cars. Much less likely to be run over.
I'm also in a big minority in that I use a mirror. No suprises when a truck comes by, and I can check behind if I need to swerve for a pothole or other road debris.
As a new rider, just be aware of your choice of road and time of day. The Akron metroparks hike & bike trail is a great place to get used to the bike. It's about 20 miles of paved path away from the road.
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Post by unlimited on Apr 20, 2008 21:14:16 GMT -5
THANK you so much for the responses. I am glad to hear I am not crazy!! I am really not a fearful person, I'm not sure why this has me all fretful!! So I think I will feel better (I hope) once I just keep riding outside. If not, I feel better knowing that some of you more experienced riders still have fears.
Where is the Akron bike/run path you were referring to? Is there a specific park or name I could look up? That 20 mile loop sounds super.
Any other great locations you could tell me about? I would appreciate any ideas.
Thanks again............
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Post by Aussie Rob on Apr 20, 2008 21:31:52 GMT -5
Come ride with some of us west siders. Reddy, Durno, Dave, Tim and myself will block for you  |
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amyh
Sprint Member
Posts: 49
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Post by amyh on Apr 21, 2008 8:04:33 GMT -5
I agree that riding in a group makes you feel more secure.
But - last Wed. night, I headed out on my own for a ride. While coming north on the parkway, a large group (Spin) was heading south. They were riding 4-5 across and blocked the majority of the lane.
Just as I got near them, a pickup truck decides to pass them, and comes into my lane. He was so far into my lane, that I had to go off road to avoid being hit. Fortunately, it was by Big Met, and I turned into their driveway.
The moral of the story - even when you are in a group - please be respectful to the cars/trucks.
Amy
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Post by Aussie Rob on Apr 21, 2008 8:24:40 GMT -5
....or the truck could have just waited for the rigth time to pass instead of letting his impatience get the better of him. Spin rides are good about calling car back most of the time and we make room as soon as its reasonably possible.
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Post by robreddy on Apr 21, 2008 8:28:00 GMT -5
i was hit big time about 15 years ago - snapped my bike in 1/2 and went over the hood of the car
that freaked me out pretty good - had a hard time getting back on the raods - then moved to Downtown PGH PA - aggressive drivers and very sh itty roads = more freak out.
all i can say is I just went and road, but.....
as a few who have ridden with me know - i will sream, whistle, point and wave at drivers to get their attention. i always assume that either the driver has no clue i'm there or could care less if they hit me. so i take it upon my slef to be visable
r
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amyh
Sprint Member
Posts: 49
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Post by amyh on Apr 21, 2008 9:37:50 GMT -5
....or the truck could have just waited for the right time to pass instead of letting his impatience get the better of him
In a perfect world - yes
But in the real world - I am going to assume that every driver is an *ss, and ride defensively
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Post by timritt on Apr 21, 2008 9:58:05 GMT -5
ride on the trainer all winter long and you will be happy to see the road fear or no fear.
tr
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Post by chuckm on Apr 21, 2008 11:40:56 GMT -5
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Post by Brandon on Apr 21, 2008 12:38:45 GMT -5
When I first added a mirror to my bike I felt more comfortable in traffic.....when I heard a car approaching it was good to be able to look in the mirror and see them moving over to pass as opposed to just trusting that they were moving over. If you don't want to add extras to your racing bike, a helmet mirror is another option.
I've gotten more comfortable over time, but I'd have to say that anyone who says they have no fear of cars is lying.....or at least its been a long time since they had a "close call" or were in an accident.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Apr 21, 2008 14:08:02 GMT -5
I don't think people have to fear cars, just respect them.
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Post by andrew on Apr 21, 2008 14:18:20 GMT -5
Rode in Sydney 4 days a week from 1984 till 1997
Big wrecks x 7 - twice hospitalized
Put it down to heavy traffic and non bike friendly roads.
Two of these times I was brought down by a group of riders in front going down and taking out the rest of us.
Four of these times - hit by cars - twice my fault
The other time - rolled a tubular tire off the front wheel while going downhill quickly
Cleveland - rode from 2003 to 2007
Two wrecks - both in the wet - no vehicles involved. Once cornering in the wet - ended up in a ditch - second crossing railroad tracks in the wet - went down hard and snapped my frame
Chicago - 2008 - ridden a lot outdoors and the traffic here is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY - got a late Start on Satutrday morning - and after 20 mins turned around and came home - just too dangerous unless you get out early enough
Back to Cleveland - very few cities offer the metropark system Cleveland does - along with the benefit to cyclists these parks offer.
use the metroparks - build your confidence - the vehicular speed limit is slower - the road is wider and most cars traveling through the metroparks expect to see and are more considerate of cyclists.
go early in the morning or later in the afternoon/early evening - before and after peak traffic flow times.
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Post by jen on Apr 21, 2008 19:34:55 GMT -5
I am having the same fears as I am about to buy my first bike. Obviously don't want to buy the bike and then look at it!! I've also been told to use metroparks, ride in groups, etc to gain confidence, as well as going out at less trafficky times.
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Post by suziharman on Apr 23, 2008 11:03:40 GMT -5
Training location suggestion - On the west side, there are bike lanes starting in Avon Lake on Lake Road - both sides of the street. It is very flat. Sometimes a little wind.
I was scared in the beginning, especially with my feet being clipped in, but I gained confidence over time.
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