lack of confidence

Hi lou,
sorry to hear of your dilemma,
Your consultant said 12 months but was that to when you could undergo the pressure of bike riding, of which there is, mentally and physically. Looking at your post I think that you might just be unlucky with all those coming at the same time and yes it is bound to have some effect on you.
If you did a lot of riding, that youre not used to, on the Moffat, fatigue could have played a big part.
I would recommend that you get some bike time, with no pressure, so not having to follow peeps or lead, to start with then consider getting yourself on a rider course, IAM or equivelant, and start building from there.
best of luck

 

Nothing builds or rebuilds confidence better than miles under your belt.

Yes your age won't help and yes there are bound to be psychological and physical effects from your surgery-but the best way to manage those effects is to ride, and if you can, ride every day. It doesn't have to be fast or far, just ride.

Obviously check to ensure there's nothing adverse with the bike, such as squared off or low pressure tyres .

 

Nothing builds or rebuilds confidence better than miles under your belt.
what he said

 

I'm sure once you do a bit more riding the passion for it will come back but you may need to give yourself time, and maybe putting pressure on yourself to lead your friends to the blackforrest in June is unknowingly putting a deadline on when you should be enjoying yourself. Just a thought.

 

Sorry to hear this mate but the others are right. 3000 miles in three and a half years is bugger all - just get out and ride your bike in your own time at your pace and your confidence will slowly build. Make long runs and short runs - they all count.

 

Morning Lou when I talked with you in Moffat and you told me about your health issues I was more than surprised that you were able to attend the run and you were running with much younger guys and the pace was more than fast enough for the circuit we did and you were in the middle of them while I stayed at the rear.The confidence issue we all get as we get older myself included and sometimes we want to push too hard--ego thing maybe--we cant do all the things we used to do just to what we can and be happy with that.If you are down my way at all give us a call and we can have a crack,-shine on

 

I had an occasion where 10 years ago I broke both my shoulder and ankle within 1 week of each other.
This left me very week and unable to ride a big bike, so I bought a Chinese 125 in a crate . building it up was great psychologically but was good to get my strength back, then after 9 months I sold it for what I paid for it. Now I haven't ridden for 6 months and I have a hip replacement in 2 weeks time. I hope I can back in the saddle for the end of the year.
Good luck with your recovery.

 

Hi Lou

Like the guys are saying it’s probably a combination of all 3 things,and there really isn’t anything better than doing the miles to build your confidence. What I would suggest is to go and have a run on a favourite route that you are really familiar with (about a 100-mile circuit would be fine), If you’re on your own there is no pressure on you to go faster than you are comfortable with, start off slowly, you may have to do the circuit several times before you start to feel really at one with the bike again but I’m sure you’re confidence will return

 

I can sympathise with you there. I came back to biking at the age of 59 after a 38 year gap, just after an operation. I would say that I still lack confidence in rain and on corners. I like to ride in a group but I feel most comfortable riding on my own or with a mate so I can go at my own pace, no pressure. That's the key. If I'm riding in a group I like to be in second spot so the leader has to wait for me and those behind stay behind usually. Most important thing I would say is don't put pressure on yourself and as others have said, get out more.

 

Hi Lou, just another point. These comments are made as if I were in your shoes.

As you are in a rebuilding confidence phase the last thing you need is the extra pressure of having committed to leading group on a continental run. Maybe if you could organise to defer that responsibility just for this year, you could focus on the rebuild.

As the proposed trip is in June, now might be a good time to find a replacement leader ?

PS Don't forget you need to be in good shape for August

 

Hi Lou
Do you enjoy riding in a group or on your own or just with another rider, pick out your preference and organise with yourself a few short rides out in the nice weather coming also meet up with riders at meeting points and have a chat,joke and a giggle with them you don't really have to ride in a group as you may feel the pressure of trying to keep up, keep positive,de-stress and enjoy your ride.

 

Hi Lou

I took a 12 year break from biking until I bought my Explorer last September and empathise with how you are feeling as I am on the cusp of turning 60. In my 20's I used to be a motorcycle riding instructor so I was reasonably confident that I was riding safely, however, I sought some reassurance.

My solution was to take my Advanced Motorcycle Test (skills for Life). I'm currently in the process of this with the IAM. it's great fun and just reinforces what you most likely know already.

It only costs £150 (I got mine for £100 as my local group had an offer on) and is well worth the money. You get observed and critiqued for as meany rides as you need befor being assessed by a police instructor. Usually this is 4 to 8 sessions lasting 1-2 hours of riding.

http://www.iam.org.uk/riders/riders-courses/advanced-riding/skill-for-life-motorcyclists

This is your local group who offer a free taster - http://www.aamcg.org

 

It seems to me that there's a fine bunch of people on this forum - we are one family .

If this seems a bit too strong then please forgive me, but I believe we have something special on here.

I've just read this again from start to finish whilst listening to Led Zeppelin and it really touched me, the kindness and support being offered.

 

Never feel you are a bad rider that is the time to stop but while out riding always a chance of improving your skill, It brings a smile when the sun is out and i am out riding my bike its all good fun but it sounds to me you still want to organise events that adds stress let someone else do it for you,you need to allow others to do this while you are recovering and feeling better in yourself you are not letting anyone down, just keep the pressure off, if you feel this is not for me give it a miss I am sure no one will hold it against you, I use to have a mojo never could get the hang of it, keep us posted what you are up to.

 

Lou, I think from my expirience and other riders too is that after a period of bikes being laid up (generally winter) our first few months are to re-climatize and it looks like we all go through it as healthy riders so as someone like your self with 'add-ons' your thinking and ability is very normal. There's only the one answer, ride to a comfortable ability and repetition !

 

Hi Lou,

Who knows what the causes are but as long as you feel safe and comfortable to ride, it is simply the solution you need.

Firstly, I would say give group riding a miss until you've regained your confidence - you need to row your own boat for a bit and always be in your own comfort zone and most of all safe. Group riding just adds complications and does nothing to grow confidence where it is lacking, in my opinion.

Secondly, a new pair of hoops always does wonders for confidence and its the perfect time to get some at the start of the season.

I hate seeing people write themselves off due to age, there are some very quick old boys out there. I did a bit of club racing in my mid 20's and now at 40 I still do track days and reckon I probably have 90% of the speed but can do it lap after lap with 90% less chance of binning it.

On that note, years before I raced I did a racing school using their bike and leathers. They were brilliant, most of the people there have no intention of ever racing and just (as I did at the time) wanted some professional tuition and to use someone else's bike and kit. I left that day a much faster, better and safer rider - I can't recommend it enough - it will put your confidence through the roof because you will know you are a better rider.

Other than that, you can see if your local constabulary does something like my one does; http://www.norfolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/roadsafety/saferiderscheme.aspx I think it is free and you will get proper professional tuition advice and assessment and I think you might be surprised at how keen they are to encourage you to crack on when the time and place is appropriate I won't go in to detail here, but I can tell you that even the car based police driving system is a fantastic tool for use on bikes and it will make you faster and safer in equal measure - I guarantee it. If you run in to a dead end let me know, I have some useful contacts.

Regardless, get that new rubber ordered