Originally Posted by Dave Cutter

First.... bummer about the crash. Good job finishing. Glad your OK... or healing well.

Are you sure the bike is OK? If it feels "loose" maybe it really is. I am sure you gave it a quick once over before getting back on... but be sure to check it top to bottom. Make sure the stem is tight and properly aligned and the wheels true and spokes tight (and none broken). Re-seat the wheels... undoing the quick releases and retighten them fully seated.

Crashing is part of cycling.... PERIOD. It is a good thing you don't enjoy the ouchies. But you shouldn't fear them ether. If "getting your confidence back" means forgetting that bicycle accidents happen.... I don't know. I've learned to just accept that the crashing is all just a tiny little part of the joy I get from cycling.

I was almost hit by a car the other day near the very beginning of my normal 20 mile loop. I gave the driver a dirty look.... took a deep breath... and discarded any anger/fear as I exhaled. It was a beautiful day and I had a really great ride. I chose to enjoy cycling... discarding the fears... but accepting the dangers. Of course... I could stay right here in my recliner. Not many easy-chair crashes! But not much fun ether.... it's a trade-off.

But the fear.... the worrisome feeling... is completely optional.