Panicking Over Cycling Trip

[Ice_Fire]

Okay so as some of you who read my diary will know, I joined my university cycling club. However, now I'm a member I'm anxious of doing anything with them!

There is a mountain biking trip to a trail centre about 20 miles away tomorrow which I have signed up to go on. But I'm so scared and panic-stricken I am wondering if I will actually go. I'm not sure who is going which is adding to my anxiety. Especially as I'm running the possibility of being the only female there. Which isn't making me nervous per say, it's just I'm terrified I won't keep up. That I will be a burden on the group and they will dislike me for it.

It's daft, I know it is. But I can't help but feel scared. My stomach is in knots at the prospect of it. I suppose my question is, do I go or not? If I go, any tips for managing the anxiety?

I have a horrible tendency to be doing okay, struggle a little (uphill when in the company of 20-something men is hard work), fall behind, worry about falling behind, push harder...find it too much...have a panic attack. Of course, the result of the panicking is I can't breathe so then I find it even harder. It's a self-fufilling prophecy.

 

[desiderata310]

@Ice_Fire tell em you're going to ride sweep.
It allows you to relax and drop back with a purpose.
Also mtb riders are awesome world wide. We all just want to share and learn and occasionally poke at each other
I hope you have a great time. I wish my mtb was back up to snuff, alas I am broke and so is my bike

 

[Ice_Fire]

Thank you, your enthusiasm is helpful. Trouble is, they will want the more experienced club members as sweep. So I will just be the one holding said sweeper up I fear.

 

[Justmehere]

I have felt very nervous about going on trips. I live in a biking and hiking town. For organizations that open up a trip to everyone in a club, unless they are complete fools, they KNOW people will come with different ability levels. If they were looking for everyone to keep up to a certain speed, they usually set up a way to test or measure people for that and only have those people included on a trip.

You made it as a member of the club - you belong there just as much as any other member.

20 miles is a long distance, and yet it's a distance that isn't super ultra long - so that makes me think they were considering different ability levels. So does the fact that they have more experienced members being sweeps. They know there will be some who hang back more and the want some of the best folks to hang with them. That's different than a super competitive group. Or at least in my area, that's how it would be.

So I hope you go! And enjoy the time.

Is there anyone you know that is going? Maybe you could contact them and share your fears and get some reassurance - and maybe have a friend who knows this is a little hard to do. I have done that myself and it has really helped me be less nervous and hang in for a trip.

 

[desiderata310]

Totally get all of this!
Really though, cyclists are still Very welcoming. Talk to the designated sweep get to know them. Remember you don't have to keep up with the guys. Being a female riding with guys is intimidating,being willing to go out and ride with them ears you mad props! Go out with the attitude that if you get dropped it makes you a stronger rider. Say that to them and you will earn respect.
And above all get on your bike and RIDE!

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

The others already posted some great advice, maybe I can add try to remember why you joined in the first place, versus the thoughts that are now originating from anxiety. Maybe it will help you see those thoughts in a different light.

I'd say biking is mostly about being in nature, enjoying yourself, socializing, and less about it being a competition.
I own a MTB too, don't belong to any clubs, but I think it's a great initiative you've taken.

 

[digger]

Hope you decide to go. I know sweet FA about cycling, but I am fairly certain that you will regret as much not going, as going. And I reckon if you go, you'll probably not end up regretting it. Hope you have a good day x

 

[desiderata310]

If it makes you feel ANY better, I agreed to do a 50 mile (80 K)road ride tomorrow with a couple of the really fast guys. I am not sure I can keep up! I've not been riding like I did this past summer and I've gained weight: that old power to weight ratio is going to smack me around hard in the morning. BUT I figure we've all had really bad days and I would never get back out there if I didn't have these folks to help motivate me. My last ride I bailed halfway through because of a panic attack. That was early September! I've been avoiding group rides as a result. I'm hoping to get my act together and "get back on the horse"

Let me know how your ride goes! I'll be sure to fill you in on mine.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Go and have fun with it. Your passion comes out when you ride and the pleasure over rules everything else. I know you can do this and have fun with it.

 

[Lucycat]

How did it go?