earthseeker

ok so here the deal, i purchased a gary fisher utopia cross bike. the problem I am having is getting over the fear to take it out to riding. anyone else had this problem when they first started riding? this morning i was up at 6am suited up but fear got the best of me.

GeoBigJon

What are you afraid of? The riding? The pain that might follow? Not wanting to get the new bike out/dirty/damaged? I can't say I have ever been afraid to ride. I'm a heavy weight and wear bike shorts and still get out there. I don't care what other people think about the way I look, I am the one getting to enjoy being outside riding, if that is what you are worried about. I think once you pull the trigger, get a few miles under ya, then it will be so enjoyable whatever you might be concerned about will fade away and it will be easier for you to go. In my area being up that early I rarely bump into much traffic or people, they get moving in my area around 0730ish. Hope that helps, the Clyde and Athena section is some great encouragement if you read a few ride reports and watch a few videos that might help ya get fired up.

turtlewoman

I have been afraid to ride. Mostly because of not wanting to ride in heavy traffic. Whenever I read something on the Advocacy and Safety subforum I get the crap scared out of me and I have to re-psych. I used to worry about what other people would think about an Athena on a bike. But I got over that by just going out there and doing it. What's your specific fear? You'll get amazing support on here. Just let it all hang out as they say.

earthseeker

not afraid of what people think, afraid of someone running me over lol. a buddy of mine going to ride with me later today. but i did get on the bike this morning road around the park a few times. It the road iam worried about in springfield there no bikelane. later going to chatham to ride.

paisan

Don't let fear dictate what you will and will not enjoy.

If it's traffic that's scaring you, throw the bike on the rack, in the trunk, backseat etc and drive to a spot where there's less traffic and get your ride in until you feel more comfortable in traffic. If it's something else that's preventing you from going for a ride, just jump on the bike and start pedaling, once you get that first bit of early morning wind in our face you'll completely forget why you were scared in the first place.

If it's clipless pedals that's got you scared.. find a grass field and repeat after me "unclip then stop"

earthseeker

be one with the bike! be one with the bike!

JT Burkard

Are you in NJ? I have a cousin who lives in Chatham who rides her bike around town. I can ask her what roads are safe and good rides. I live down the shore and it's mobbed on the main roads around here. You just have to get out there and ride. Be alert and make sure you are visable. Once you get a few rides down, you'll get into the rythem. Good luck.

Street Pedaler

Like everyone else said, just get out and go. The more you do it, the more confident you'll become. Just ride safe and ride smart and you'll be ok. The important thing is just ride.

Arvadaman

Until you gain confidence, try and stay in places like MUPs where you are separated from traffic. Once you gain confidence, then conquer riding on the road.

ChargerDawg

Find a bike trail... Drive to the trail and ride...

I prefer the trail to the road anyday.

Rock31

When I ride on Staten Island I still go right to the park or beach, no chance will I ride in the streets (unless it's a quick 2 mile ride to the bike store) I am still scared of riding in the streets especially where there is no bike lane.

Like others have said, head on over to a bike path/trail and enjoy.

Pinyon

I agree. Get out there and ride. If you are like most people, you will get used to it really fast. Just be careful with the phase that comes next for many riders, where they get angry with some motor vehicle drivers.

Watch your temper. Smile, wave, and say good morning/evening. It is never a good idea to piss-off people driving 2+ ton weapons...

Doohickie

Spend some time reading CommuteOrlando. Best resource I know of for practical advice in riding in traffic. Here's a good place to start.

zoste

Great site! I think I'll spend more time poking around there.

earthseeker

thanks for all the reply manage to ride on some trail and a bike path.