Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
If all your thinking about is crashing, you probably shouldn't be racing. One, because it won't be any fun, and Two, hesitation from fear is dangerous.
That said, don't delude yourself about the relative risks of training rides and other events. Some of the nastiest crashes I've been around have been on trianing rides, and organized centuries.
While the risk of donating skin, a broken collarbone, and/or some cracked ribs is higher racing, than doing training rides, and centuries, I'd definitely be willing to bet that the risk of death is higher riding on open roads, than it is racing on a closed course.
Agreed. You'll be much safer if you're relaxed and in control. Whenever you're worrying about something, it's your spidey sense telling you you're outside the zone you belong in. You're also increasing the chances you won't react optimally to situations you encounter.
On organized rides you'll see a lot of people riding beyond their abilities in close proximity with other less experienced riders. But your ability to control where you are to avoid dodgy situations is better.