Dealing with road anxiety!

[VikB]

To the OP find safe places to practice and move up in difficulty as you feel more comfortable. There is no rush to do this and the process will take longer/shorter amounts of time for different people. If you are really anxious on the road you are not only unsafe for yourself and those around you, but you are training your body and brain to ride poorly. The whole point of practicing riding is to develop the muscle memory/reflexes to do it naturally. If you are freaking out on the road you are training yourself to ride like that. 

Being a little apprehensive as you challenge yourself is normal/ok, but when your technique breaks down you aren't gaining anything from the experience.

Edited November 15, 2021 by VikB

[.....]

48 minutes ago, VikB said:

Good call. I've seen cyclists taken out by a second car when a first car stops and waves them through.

Never allow another person to take control of your vehicle and assume the responsibility of your safety from theirs. If you heed the direction of another person in traffic, you are letting them place YOUR life in THEIR hands. One thing that was very adamant in ALL the driver training I recieved is.. DO NOT direct traffic. Even a simple wave of the hand, puts you responsible. DO NOT heed direction from others unless you KNOW they are qualified and able to safely do so (leo/dock workers). You are NOT helping when you deviate from standard traffic procedure and confusing those around you who are NOT aware of the exact circumstance. DO NOT give right of way, when it is against traffic law, as its not yours to give. When giving right of way as expected, let your vehicle do the talking as its THEIR responsibility to interpet it and alleviates you of being liable for THEIR decision. Staring contests are common, as I will NOT heed some asshats advice when waving me around blind turns or into multi lane traffic patterns... They wave, I pull out, I get hit, they drive off. So, how nice of them would that be? DO we really think they would stick around to fess up to the fact THEY instructed you into your own demise?

Edited April 15, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[VikB]

6 minutes ago, ShanesPlanet said:

They wave, I pull out, I get hit, they drive off. So, how nice of them would that be? DO we really think they would stick around to fess up to the fact THEY instructed you into your own demise?

It doesn't matter if they wait around or not. They are not liable for what you do or what happens to you based on waving at you.

Edited April 15, 2021 by VikB

[.....]

55 minutes ago, VikB said:

It doesn't matter if they wait around or not. They are not liable for what you do or what happens to you based on waving at you.

What you state is a grey enough area that a courtroom could be a deciding factor. There has been numerous cases that a shared fault is found, depending on the direction of another driver. Ultimately its up to you to decide if you should move your vehice, but they can also be found to blame, as they directed you and gave you inaccurate inforamtion that led to the decision you made.  Insurance companies and courtrooms WILL factor in many variables and you'd be surprised who gets blamed for what.  I have been to at least 6 professional driver safety courses of numerous companies and type(only in the USA however), not counting various motorcycle training.  They ALL agree with this, and court records are easily found to corroborate this very thing. Just ignore direction from other drivers and dont give any... Never apologize after an accident either

Edited April 15, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[Circuitmage]

@ShanesPlanet I would say , as EUC riders, we are actually at a disadvantage. Even though the local police do not hassle me, even though I have spoken with several of them about my EUC, even though I am comparable to a bicycle in weight and speed (we have fast cyclists around here).....in a court of law all they have to do is say I was illegally riding a motorized vehicle on the street and provide all kinds of confusion about the laws regarding the things. I know an argument COULD be made about how "legal" our PEV's should be. Having had a major accident on a motorcycle and gotten almost nothing out of it, and having had my wife go through a car accident where she was T-boned by a teenager on her cell phone (and nothing came out of that), I know how hard it is to prove anything. Especially here in Texas...it's a safe haven for insurance companies with all the illegal drivers we have. The most common ruling in TX is that it was 50/50 liability and so no insurance has to be paid.

Insurance is a complete racket. They rack in the bucks and don't have to pay. Or, if they do, they "prorate" it down to like 30%.

[.....]

9 minutes ago, Circuitmage said:

@ShanesPlanet I would say , as EUC riders, we are actually at a disadvantage. Even though the local police do not hassle me, even though I have spoken with several of them about my EUC, even though I am comparable to a bicycle in weight and speed (we have fast cyclists around here).....in a court of law all they have to do is say I was illegally riding a motorized vehicle on the street and provide all kinds of confusion about the laws regarding the things. I know an argument COULD be made about how "legal" our PEV's should be. Having had a major accident on a motorcycle and gotten almost nothing out of it, and having had my wife go through a car accident where she was T-boned by a teenager on her cell phone (and nothing came out of that), I know how hard it is to prove anything. Especially here in Texas...it's a safe haven for insurance companies with all the illegal drivers we have. The most common ruling in TX is that it was 50/50 liability and so no insurance has to be paid.

Insurance is a complete racket. They rack in the bucks and don't have to pay. Or, if they do, they "prorate" it down to like 30%.

I agree completely. When you enjoy the grey areas of legality on an euc, you are at a serious disadvantage. I figure no matter what happens, if I'm on an euc, I'll lose in every way imaginable. Even in places where there are laws expressly concerning euc and their legal use, I'd still assume a disadvantage. I'd consider 50/50 lucky, if an euc were involved.

Edited April 15, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[VikB]

8 hours ago, ShanesPlanet said:

What you state is a grey enough area that a courtroom could be a deciding factor. 

Now I understand why all these EUC riders cruise around with self-sticks and 360 deg cameras! It's so they have some evidence in court when standing in front of Judge Judy. Because the motorist is going to deny any waving/responsibility so a video would be useful. 

[Tawpie]

1 hour ago, VikB said:

riders cruise around with self-sticks

Hsing (???) is honest about it... he says he finds 'himself' to be the most entertaining part of EUC riding videos. I do too honestly.

[Giffy]

The more hours I put on my wheels, the more confident I am. I also get nervous when I don't have my helmet on. I found out when I put on all my gear, I am way more comfortable but time seems to be the biggest factor. 

I only ever get the shakes when one of two things happen. 1. I'm doing something cool and people are watching and the adrenaline kicks in or 2. I smoke a cig. It's like coffee and makes me jittery but it's worse.

[That Guy]

I guess, anyone new on the EUC will have to embrace the fact that in the very beginning they may (will) be publicly embarrassed. :-)

So, after making hundreds of circles in your training grounds of football field/tennis court/school playground/park you will have the thought "yeah, why not" and head off to the bigger world. You will have this thought, because, you are risky enough to commit to learning unicycling and it's in your character! :-)

And then... Then people will see you riding this thing. Most of them will stare at you with awe, because watching someone riding an EUC is like seeing something magical, like looking at running water or burning fire... :-) And cars will slow down and honk to you... And people will want to ask something or say something to you... And here are you riding your new toy for the first time in public hoping that nothing will go wrong...

And then, look, let's be honest - you've just started - things will go wrong. The wheel will drop, you will misstep on it, you will make an awkward turn towards someone or a car, or a post... (Nothing will go terribly wrong, don't worry too much - you are still a learner, you won't push it, it's all still in walking pace speeds.) And people will look at you and feel happy they haven't tried themselves (although some of them will secretly google "scooter with one wheel" on their phones)... :-) 

But isn't it what makes you different from all of them? You risked it, you weren't afraid to try it, not afraid of being different - it's who you are! :-) People who saw you embarrassed once will not remember it for as long as people who will see you gliding by every day effortlessly with a big smile and coffee mug in your hand.

And here comes the good news - you will nail it, yes, it is guaranteed! One day very soon you will even forget to worry, just jump and go. You will get better, you will be getting better every meter, every stop, every misstep, every drop. Just keep on trying!

Good luck! ;-)

Edited May 14, 2021 by That Guy

[Roadpower]

I to had a lot of anxiety when I was starting, the only way that I know to get over it is to just keep riding and practice everything you need to be competent. In my case because of work hours I was able to practice in the middle of the night with few people around to worry about. I have been a slow learner but it has come. It would have been much better if not for a few mistakes such as not practicing mounting/dismounting as a core ability which it is.

It took me weeks to get over being very afraid of curbs, I still can't get up a curb over two inches but then I have not focused on practicing that ability and nor is my wheel particularly suited to it as it is a heavy wheel. I know there are plenty of riders who like to be able to deal with curbs and steps but since the wheel is for me commuting and work related, curb/step jumping not high on my priority list. Also I am of the belief that curb/step jumping is a pathway for more rapidly reducing the life time of the wheel. At least a non suspension wheel.

[conecones]

Today I straight up wiped out trying to dismount at a busy downtown intersection. Somehow my shoe got wedged at a weird angle in the pads so I accidentally pulled my foot out with the shoe still on the pedal! So now I’ve got one foot in the air freaking out trying to stick it back in the shoe while still moving and swerving like an idiot. I did not make it and my sock came off by the time I stopped/half bailed.

So there I was at the stop light in the middle of the road trying to yank the shoe out of my pads, before casually walking back to collect my sock, as if this is a totally normal thing.

I can ride one legged fine, but apparently not when it really counted!

It helps that I’ve fallen so many times in public that it’s stopped bothering me...
 

[5Cauac]

Anybody still getting PRE-RIDE anxiety? It's like the feeling you get when you are going to meet up with your new girlfriend or date, excited but at the same time unsure of what may transpire.  All that fades away once I start riding but I do still get it. (the wheel guys, riding the wheel...) 

[Circuitmage]

Yes. I still look forward to my rides. It's good to have a bit of an edge when you are riding. I'm afraid the second I get too relaxed I will screw up and get hurt.

Also, I get the itch. If I haven't ridden for a few days (due to weather, or being on a trip without my wheel) , it starts to bother me.

 

[That Guy]

On 5/19/2021 at 10:59 AM, Roadpower said:

I to had a lot of anxiety when I was starting, the only way that I know to get over it is to just keep riding and practice everything you need to be competent. In my case because of work hours I was able to practice in the middle of the night with few people around to worry about. I have been a slow learner but it has come. It would have been much better if not for a few mistakes such as not practicing mounting/dismounting as a core ability which it is.

It took me weeks to get over being very afraid of curbs, I still can't get up a curb over two inches but then I have not focused on practicing that ability and nor is my wheel particularly suited to it as it is a heavy wheel. I know there are plenty of riders who like to be able to deal with curbs and steps but since the wheel is for me commuting and work related, curb/step jumping not high on my priority list. Also I am of the belief that curb/step jumping is a pathway for more rapidly reducing the life time of the wheel. At least a non suspension wheel.

I totally agree that mounting/dismounting is the core ability. Absolutely need to practice it more. My commute is very hilly and there are multiple scenarios where I have to stop or hop back on at an awkward angle.

Riding an EUC requires a strange balance of confidence and concentration. If you are overly confident you may find yourself unprepared to what's coming your way, but if on the other hand, you think/stress too much then everything you practiced alone in the night (tennis court, football field, playground, etc.) with confidence suddenly becomes all too hard to repeat in the daylight at the traffic lights in the middle of the town... :-)

[That Guy]

On 5/19/2021 at 11:38 AM, conecones said:

Today I straight up wiped out trying to dismount at a busy downtown intersection. Somehow my shoe got wedged at a weird angle in the pads so I accidentally pulled my foot out with the shoe still on the pedal! So now I’ve got one foot in the air freaking out trying to stick it back in the shoe while still moving and swerving like an idiot. I did not make it and my sock came off by the time I stopped/half bailed.

So there I was at the stop light in the middle of the road trying to yank the shoe out of my pads, before casually walking back to collect my sock, as if this is a totally normal thing.

I can ride one legged fine, but apparently not when it really counted!

It helps that I’ve fallen so many times in public that it’s stopped bothering me...
 

Haha, loved the story, thank you! :-)

[That Guy]

On 5/19/2021 at 12:01 PM, 5Cauac said:

Anybody still getting PRE-RIDE anxiety? It's like the feeling you get when you are going to meet up with your new girlfriend or date, excited but at the same time unsure of what may transpire.  All that fades away once I start riding but I do still get it. (the wheel guys, riding the wheel...) 

Totally! I am often having this strange split second thought in the morning before the ride like "hmm... how can a human actually stand on it?" And also there is another strange split second thought right after I start moving first time like "err.... is it indeed easier than I thought or I am just overestimating myself?..." But then the logical conviction kicks in of "yeah, I am actually doing it"... :-)

[Scottie]

16 hours ago, That Guy said:

Riding an EUC requires a strange balance of confidence and concentration. If you are overly confident you may find yourself unprepared to what's coming your way, but if on the other hand, .....

This is one of those Twilight Zone moments for me.   I was thinking this yesterday; about the time you were writing this. This must mean I am really tuned into the Forum, at least for that moment!

Edited May 21, 2021 by Scottie

[That Guy]

On 5/22/2021 at 4:34 AM, Scottie said:

This is one of those Twilight Zone moments for me.   I was thinking this yesterday; about the time you were writing this. This must mean I am really tuned into the Forum, at least for that moment!

Unicycle riders think alike... :-)

[Nivel]

I don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes before riding, or anything that can affect my nerves or blood pressure, otherwise I become the wobbleman.

However I do drink beers and ride from time to time (I live in low density/populated area).

[.....]

30 minutes ago, Nivel said:

I don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes before riding, or anything that can affect my nerves or blood pressure, otherwise I become the wobbleman.

However I do drink beers and ride from time to time (I live in low density/populated area).

I do those things WHILE riding. My blood pressure isnt nearly as dangerous as an improperly fueled addiction. No coffee, no smokes, SOMEONE aint making it back to the ranch.... I find music helps soothe me, unless its harder music. Then it freaking propels me...

[Antec]

for me only time I get a little flustered is when im at the front of some traffic lights and there's lots of cars behind me and im hoping for a good first time mount lol

I ride cycles and motorcycles too so used to dealing with car drivers road rage

[That Guy]

On 5/25/2021 at 9:07 PM, ShanesPlanet said:

I do those things WHILE riding. My blood pressure isnt nearly as dangerous as an improperly fueled addiction. No coffee, no smokes, SOMEONE aint making it back to the ranch.... I find music helps soothe me, unless its harder music. Then it freaking propels me...

I find it rather hard to enjoy coffee when the surface is not smooth (most of the time for me). (A rider drinking coffee while riding looks (even) cooler, I am only talking about not enjoying the coffee itself. :-)) Perhaps a suspension wheel is the solution...

Yeah, and also coffee gets cold faster especially in a takeaway cup (and especially in winter). But if I have a thermal mug, I have to carry it empty half of the way, then I need a bag, etc... Can't win... :-(

[The Fat Unicyclist]

17 hours ago, That Guy said:

I find it rather hard to enjoy coffee when the surface is not smooth (most of the time for me). (A rider drinking coffee while riding looks (even) cooler, I am only talking about not enjoying the coffee itself. :-)) Perhaps a suspension wheel is the solution...

Yeah, and also coffee gets cold faster especially in a takeaway cup (and especially in winter). But if I have a thermal mug, I have to carry it empty half of the way, then I need a bag, etc... Can't win... :-(

First world problems suck!

And yes, you really need to buy a suspension wheel.   

[RockyTop]

9 minutes ago, The Fat Unicyclist said:

First world problems suck!

LOL ,  It kinda brings new meaning to the statement- “ Don’t be @That Guy” 

Just kidding- Your user name begs for sarcasm! I like it!  ....... If you knew my real name you would think it was silly.  .......  rim shot , inside joke. 

Edited July 9, 2021 by RockyTop