Lost confidence

[jonnysnorocket]

Had a pretty good 'off' on my roadbike last weekend, front wheel just washed out from under me on a bend at approx 20mph, had x-rays, nothing broken but feels like ligament damage in my shoulder.
Now I've had plenty of 'offs' from years of mtbing in the Peaks, a fair few broken bones, cuts etc, historically I've just got back on my bike as soon as possible & without a second thought.
This time however I really am struggling, have been out three times since, & have lost all confidence,........ I am freezing & going completely rigid on bends and under braking.
Have any of you lot had similar experiences, am I better off leaving it for a while, or is it better to 'jump straight back on the horse' ?

 

[fossyant]

Back on, and practice. Crap happens.

 

[uclown2002]

Back on the horse, otherwise you might look for excuses to not ride.

 

[arch684]

Get back on the bike but just take it easy for awhile your confidence will return

 

[sittingbull]

If you can learn from what went wrong then good. Anticipate braking in advance in accordance with the road/weather conditions. Asking the tyre to brake and corner at the same time was likely too much under the conditions. I would consider using the front brake sparingly through the bends, with increased use of the rear which is easier to control if it steps out of line.

If it was gravel/diesel/ironworks or wet road markings, observation will help but if you're already committed to a line there's not much you can do. Don't beat yourself up about it, accidents happen.

If a mental block really is causing you to freeze I'd consider repeatedly riding the same (or a similar) bend at a slower speed, gradually increasing speed and rebuilding confidence.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Back on the steed, back off the speed. And relax.... Build it back up.

 

[jonnysnorocket]

Part of the problem I think is that the bend looked perfect, I wasn't braking, good dry even surface, no iron works! and it all goes t**s up!
however, once I managed to stand up the road surface was that slippy it was untrue, like the tarmac was highly polished,(No diesel) I was subsequently informed that I was unfortunately the third rider in two days to come off there.
I think it's because it was pure bad luck, nothing I could anticipate, or do to avoid it. That, and the fact that I don't bounce aswell as I did in my twenties

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Part of the problem I think is that the bend looked perfect, I wasn't braking, good dry even surface, no iron works! and it all goes t**s up!
however, once I managed to stand up the road surface was that slippy it was untrue, like the tarmac was highly polished,(No diesel) I was subsequently informed that I was unfortunately the third rider in two days to come off there.
I think it's because it was pure bad luck, nothing I could anticipate, or do to avoid it. That, and the fact that I don't bounce aswell as I did in my twenties

I didn't advocate backing off the speed because of any danger, I advocated it because it's sometimes best to ride well within the limits - until you feel happy enough to take it closer to the limits.

 

[fossyant]

Just keep riding. I've been offed by cars more than road surfaces. I did hit the deck slipping on milk products from overfilled tankers on the cat and fiddle. I could see this line of stuff, looked like old paint, but hit a couple of bends and off went the bike - lots of burns to my hands, and a big 6" square off my butt.

All pat of the fun with two wheels. Just think of it like this, if you didn't keep fit like this, you'd be like your colleagues that are off sick for tripping up.

I'm known as accident prone at work, I still turn up.

 

[buggi]

I had a fall about 18 months ago and it took a good few months for me to get my confidence back. Even hitting a twig or pebble, or a gust of wind, made me freeze up and i was constantly overthinking every corner. It didn't help that i was in pain from the bruising from the fall for about 6 weeks , which added to my nervousness, as i don't think i could have taken a bruise on top of a bruise! I think age also has something to do with it. The older you get, the less you bounce. All i can say is, time is a great healer, so give it time and just keep riding.

 

[Scotchlovingcylist]

I came off a few days back. Back on the bike tonight and feel exactly the same as you which I hate as I'm not a nervous person.
Like everyone has said, it happens and 99% of the time nothing will.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I came off my bike 5 weeks ago. I had a few grazes and bruises and my left knee has just calmed down. I wouldn't say i hesitated to get back on but i now hesitate in situations where i wouldn't have done before.

 

[Globalti]

I came off twice in 100 yards on black ice (you really can't see it) once on each side. Got back on and carried on riding. 22 years of falling off mountain bikes has taught me to do that.

 

[surfdude]

get back on asap . my wife had a fall and lost confidence and has not been on that bike since which was 2 years ago . sold it 3 weeks ago and got her a hybrid to try . like everyone else says , a little bit slower to start with and before you know it you will be up to speed again and enjoying every minute of it .

 

[Sharky]

Had a couple of similar offs and it does affect confidence and does make you realise how vulnerable you are. I rode my fixed bike for quite a while afterwards, as it tends to put a cap on the max speed and forces a more controlled approach to descending and cornering. Always put heavy tyres (28mm) on the bike for the winter, which gives me more confidence on greasy roads. Now after a few years I am as keen as ever and nothing stops me from going out each week, regardless of conditions, but you never forget and use a little more caution and brakes at times.

Cheers Keith