I had a nice bike ride this morning. 60 kms (what's that? When I was a runner a 30 km race used to be about 18 miles, I seem to remember, so maybe 36 miles) in 2 hours 15 mins

So just a little below 30 kph, 18 mph (as there was a quick cup o'tea stop). Nice and warm - summer's starting here - not too breezy, just enough to speed me up in one direction and give an increased workout in the other.

So that should have been good, particularly as I'm still in the early stages of coming back from a nasty broken leg. It's great to be riding again

But -

I'm very unhappy with traffic now. In particular the large 18 wheeler trucks that transport limestone from the quarries to the building projects. Never used to mind much - now I do, very much

I don't like to be within 3 meters of other riders. Again, never used to mind much - now it feels like I want to ride their bikes as well as my own.

I don't like to be closer than a meter to the edge of the road. I used to be able to ride a steady close line

So, I think I've learned an unhelpful degree of caution. Maybe I need to Loosen TFU?

(Nice to be out and rolling, though)

just ride, it will come back

+1

old guys know stuff. hopefully before its too late

Well let me know how it works for you bacause I'm going through the same thing.

Heck - I find I am unlearning things on a daily basis - like it or not. Just give it time, and you will find it is one more thing "unlearned." I forgot ("unlearned") what else I was going to write.

Sounds like a touch of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. That is, if there is such a thing as a "touch" of PTSD. Google it up, there's lots of information out there these days.

Best wishes, and glad to hear you're out riding.

Hey Wobbly, It sounds like you're getting your legs back - good fer you!!! I kinow exactly what you mean - every day before my commute I say to myself "I hope I make it today!" and when I arrive and find that I'm all in one piece, it's "whew, i made it". I think it is a function of knowing just how vulnerable one is, and how long it takes to heal, and your experience on the road. Any sensible person should have such thoughts - and still, I rationalize that if something bad has to happen, I'd surely rather be doing something I love if/when it does... Don't let your cautions become aversions.
My arthritic knee had just about crippled my walking until I got my quads back in shape on the bike. Now I count my lucky days.

You might try this. It has helped me face some pretty frightening situations.

LITANY AGAINST FEAR

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.


Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear - From Frank Herbert's Dune Book Series
© 1965 and 1984 Frank Herbert