Re: Overcoming fear after a crash?
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 2:12 am
Hi, I'm the original poster on this thread. I just wanted to say that since making that post, I'm riding again and having a blast! I've even upgraded bikes a few times since the crash, currently riding a Harley Davidson Street Glide. I'm considering switching to a Sport Touring style bike (Kawasaki Concours, perhaps?) just to get more experience with different types of bikes.
Thanks to all who had something to say on the topic.
The biggest thing that helped me overcome my fears was the visualization techniques described above. I'd visualize the place/circumstance where I crashed (couldn't keep tight enough on a left curve), and imagine successfully making it through. To this day, I still hesitate slightly when I see a left curve. So I slow down a bit more than everyone else, and really concentrate on looking at where I want to go. "Turn head and LOOK!" It's amazing when you LOOK and focus at the right place, it's like the bike magically knows how to get there.
I'm still practicing and still learning. I'm glad to come back to the forum and post this update -- I'd forgotten all about posting it years ago.
I hope this helps anyone else out there who's had a scare and needs help getting back on the bike again. Riding is fun, and it doesn't have to be scary. Forgive yourself, take your time, and let yourself slowly grow back into it.
Thanks to all who had something to say on the topic.
The biggest thing that helped me overcome my fears was the visualization techniques described above. I'd visualize the place/circumstance where I crashed (couldn't keep tight enough on a left curve), and imagine successfully making it through. To this day, I still hesitate slightly when I see a left curve. So I slow down a bit more than everyone else, and really concentrate on looking at where I want to go. "Turn head and LOOK!" It's amazing when you LOOK and focus at the right place, it's like the bike magically knows how to get there.
I'm still practicing and still learning. I'm glad to come back to the forum and post this update -- I'd forgotten all about posting it years ago.
I hope this helps anyone else out there who's had a scare and needs help getting back on the bike again. Riding is fun, and it doesn't have to be scary. Forgive yourself, take your time, and let yourself slowly grow back into it.
