Being immersed in new experiences can be scary and challenging, yet exciting and invigorating. As someone who just started riding a bicycle two months ago, my journey has been emotional and enlightening. Learning to ride and riding in itself has made me more aware of how I react when I’m stressed or anxious, my resistance and mental blocks, and my thoughts. It’s also helping me to face my fears and build confidence.
Ride time is crucial, so my husband and I have been riding at least once a week, usually hitting the bike trails. The more I get on my bike, the more comfortable I get, but who knew that starting and stopping/dismounting would be more challenging for me? Not knowing there was a proper way, typically, I would slow down, still seated and with both feet on the pedals, until I squeezed the brakes and put one foot down on the ground. Doing this has caused me to fall over or lose footing more than once. With the help of my husband and YouTube videos, I’m learning a better way of stopping. I still get nervous and overthink, and if I don’t give myself enough time, I tend to panic brake which results in abrupt stops.
My First Group Ride
We did our first group ride a few weeks ago in Newport/Covington, Kentucky. I was nervous because of my issues mounting/starting and stopping/dismounting, not to mention it was my first time riding with a group AND riding on roads. I’ve noticed that when I feel stressed or anxious I get annoyed or angry and reactive.
Though it was considered a “mellow” ride, I found myself trying to catch my breath to keep up. I was using the wrong gears and I was the slowest in the group. Lacking confidence, my thoughts and inner-monologue leaned more negative (e.g., I’m not fast enough, this is too hard, etc.) than supportive. Struggling through the ride, I realized that I just wanted to get through it and that I wasn’t enjoying it. I also felt closed off and not very sociable. Even though I questioned what I got myself into, I knew I would keep going. After completing the 10-mile ride with several hill climbs, I felt so accomplished. I think it’s interesting how my feelings shifted after compared to during the ride. Having finished the ride, it didn’t seem as bad as when I was in it.
Riding is Rewarding
There have been other rides that I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared for, that were tiring and taxing, but I endured, and it felt good that I did. I give myself credit not only for learning to ride, something I’ve been avoiding and afraid of most of my life but for my perseverance. Facing my fears has been rewarding, thrilling, and a confidence builder.
We’ve since done a couple of other group rides. The ride leaders were friendly, encouraging, and informative, making for a pleasant experience. While my inner thoughts have improved, I could work on my reactivity when I get anxious or annoyed.
I’m in the early stages of my bike riding journey. There’s more to learn and confidence to build, but it’s getting better, and I’m enjoying it. Here’s to my continued journey.
