Conquering the fear
It’s amazing what can prevent us from achieving our goals, I have often learned that it is mainly what goes on in my head and not in my pedals that causes me the biggest problems.
Sometimes the smallest obstacles can cause bigger challenges than harder ones just because of what goes on inside your head.
The narrow downhill under the bridges at Polesdon Lacey has been a struggle for me over the years, first of all I couldn’t tackle the downhill because the gulley at the top put me off, I walked down it 3 times before I overcame that fear and although I always find it nerve wracking and with just cause as many a rider have come off down there not to be seen again for months, but it is more fun by bike than by foot!
After a recent skills day with Jess and Danielle at Singletrack school which boosted my confidence hugely and taught me how much control I could have of my bike, I actually found myself negotiating this downhill with a very friendly dog who wanted to join me and so I needed to go very, very slowly and realised with the right skills and self belief I could do things I had previously thought I would never achieve.
The challenge with this hill I thought was over until I started climbing up it from the other direction and whilst I knew I was fit enough (with the Rookery climb being no problem) my brain had a serious problem with the bricks and gulleys, the steep drop offs at the sides so more worrying while crawling along slowly so I managed to convince myself that I couldn’t do that climb.
Until yesterday, when out with the lovely Femoles we discussed looking at obstacles and then looking ahead and I shared another skill that sits with me now about focussing on looking ahead. Only 10 minutes after sharing that conversation I was facing my demons again and instead of allowing myself to give in to the voice saying “it’s ok you know you can’t do this bit” I looked at the obstacles and thought “forget that now and just look ahead” and before I knew it I was floating over the rubble and roots, over the gulley at the top with the other Femoles who had been kindly trying not to look back at me knowing my weak spot cheering me on and shouting “yeay you did it” 😉
As Dave often says to me identifying adrenalin and recognising what is fear and what is excitement can be difficult and sometimes I find the adrenalin takes over and can become a hindering fear, but with the right encouragement and cycling with friendly and inspiring people just like your bike you can control those anxieties too.
Having not cycled for 2 weeks yesterday’s ride was just what I needed, I feel recharged, re energised and bounced into work on a Monday morning full of all those good endorphins!
So Jess and Danielle another ride in which your training days and words have been carried and shared 😉
And the lovely Femoles were conquering the Surrey Hills yet again 😉
About the author
Cathie was introduced to mountain biking by Dave about 9 years ago but only really been riding regularly since May 2008 when she invested in a new hard tail (a white On-One classic Inbred), a wise investment as a result of being able to trial different bikes at Cycle Works demo day at Holmbury-St-Mary. She also rides a full suspension Giant Cypher which was this year's treat and saw many miles during the summer of 2010.
Cathie has attended skills days with Dirt Divas at Swinley Forest, she would like to improve her skills on bomb holes and her favourite trails are the ride over to Newlands corner loving "Whitedown" and a favourite trail through Denbies.
Cathie loves meeting other female riders of all fitness levels and experience and is hoping for less punctures in 2011 now that both bikes are wearing tubeless tyres!
There are 7 comments on ‘Conquering the fear’
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Jo says:
Wicked ….. And very inspiring .,,,, post ! Well done Cathie and all who aided and abetted her …
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Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:10 pm
KevS says:
Not being a Femole I am unsure if am allowed to comment here?? 😉
Here goes anywayeeee …
To quote another Mole (Karl the fearless) “Having no fear is apparently genetically incorrect, as death can be fatal”
Chapeau to you girl and keep conquering your fears.
Can I suggest a ride out with Karl the Fearless, this could change your entire outlook on riding! 🙂
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Posted on July 18, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Cathie (aka Lost Lass) says:
Thanks Jo, can’t wait to hear all about your adventures this weekend 😉
Kev – of course moles can reply 😉 I think it would be great to have Karl (“the fearless”) out with us femoles and any moles who want to join us and I am intrigued how it will change our outlook on riding 😉
What scares me most is if D’Andy joins us !!!!!!!!! 😉
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Posted on July 18, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Karl says:
D’Andy may well show you his bum.. many of us have seen it, me included, and realised that I am not.. after all, fearless.
I would love to join you girls one day in the summer, and I’ll bring a camera…. No bum shots tho please… even if I beg.
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Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:46 am
Dandy says:
You make it sounds like I ride around the Surrey Hills mooning at passers-by, Karl. I would like to correct this impression, as it’s normally when dancing to karaoke versions of ‘I’m sexy and I know it’ that I feel the compulsion to drop my trousers and flash the leopard-skin thong 😉
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Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Dave says:
no…no……too late…….how do I get rid of this hideous image
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Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:41 pm
DaveW says:
I see the Hemoles were quick to lower the tone after this mature and wise article – you should be ashamed of yourselves (I am for failing to get here in time to contribute!)
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Posted on August 1, 2012 at 10:18 am