Regaining confidence?

[BelleBot]

I passed my test back in April (before the new test was introduced) prior to that I'd never ridden. I haven't ridden since either as I've not been able to afford a bike until now.
I've just bought myself a bike to cheer myself up after having surgery. But I don't think I have the confidence to ride now, especially as not being able to do anything whilst recovering from surgery means my physical strength has pretty much all disappeared. As I discovered whilst test riding my new bike. My muscles were left very sore and shaky.

I really want to get on the bike and enjoy riding. It's slow speed manoeuvres more than anything I'm worried about, such as mini roundabouts, tight corners, pulling away from junctions etc. I'll be fine once I'm going.

Any tips to help regain my confidence. And what muscles should I work on first in terms of rebuilding my strength?

[FerretFing]

Hi Belle, maybe a few lessons with an instructor would be a good idea? Was it A2 you passed or DAS? The only way to gain confidence is by doing it unfortunately, plus any muscles that are used for biking will be only built up by biking really - things like wrist getting tired etc....I would book in for a few lessons asap & get the ball rolling

good luck with it, I`m sure you`ll be fine

[ThoughtContro...]

Take it easy and slowly. Go out dead early on a sunday morning when no one is up and you've the road to yourself. There's no one to watch you bimbling about or looking shakey on turns etc. Less stress or pressure.

Very late at night can be good too, especially sunday through wednesday. You don't need to go far or out for long, just get the feel for the bike at your own pace with as little to worry about as poss. Practice the slow speed stuff on a quiet industrial estate somewhere nearby.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Just go out at quiet times, and build your strength up by doing a short journey start then building up.
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[BelleBot]

Cheers, thanks for the advice. Feels like I'm a learning it all over again. I'll have a go Sunday mornings probably.

I seem to be back to square one with everything at the moment. Recovering from surgery knocked me for six. Hopefully it won't take too long. With a bike in the garage I'll be somewhat loathed to use my boring car. Just got to remember to take things easy. I've already doubled my recovering time by doing too much too soon.

[clancy]

keep to short journeys and quiet areas for now.
wait untill your phyiscial strength is up before you push yourself.

i knwo how you feel, i went through the same thing. main thing is just not to rush yourself and take it all in small steps and dont do anything your not comfortable with.

good luck mate, take it easy

[Sosha]

Could detour to an empty car park just to get used to the bike again if you want to. Quiet roads not in rush hour are good.

Bimble with others to a pub that serves good food on a sunny afternoon also good.

Enjoy.
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