I've broken my next mileage target

[Scotmitchy]

Today I did 33 miles, when my previous best was 25. Most of the time it was fab and fun, and, apart from being a bit muscle weary, it was great.

However, I had a mega panic attack part of the way across the Forth Road Bridge and had to turn back. I hate heights at the best of times, but for some reason convinced myself I would be fine, or would be crossing at the same time as other people and cope. However, it was deserted and I freaked.

So, yay me for the big mileage, but I feel very very stupid.

 

[TheDoctor]

Don't worry - everyone's got something that gets to them.
It's completely natural to be scared of heights, after all.
Maybe arrange to ride across there with a few mates next time?

 

[coffeejo]

Feeling foolish about a panic attack is a good thing as it means you've recovered from it. I had one in Morissons the other week and had to take refuge in the baby food aisle

TheDoctor's right - there are loads of different ways you can tackle it, from going over with mates, to maybe cycling there and just taking photos, sit and have an ice cream and watch the world go by with no pressure to go over?

 

[mcshroom]

Congratulations on your new longest ride

Don't worry about the panicking on the bridge, just remember you made it out onto the bridge

and back

, and you are now still ok. Keep that in mind next time you decide to take a run at the bridge.

Perhaps we could have a go at the bridge as a CC Ecosse ride to give you some support

 

[funnymummy]

I have vertigo, I hate bridges - so much so that last year on way back from Suffolk, i drove round the M25 rather then cross the QEII at Dartford. I was alone with my bubbas in the car, I knew it could trigger a panic attack, I knew it was foolish to put my children & other road users in that situation
Sometimes admitting a weakness & walking away is the wiser choice - It does not make you a failure xxx

And WTG on your new PB

 

[Brandane]

Well done with your new record distance . Crossing the Forth Bridge on a bike is on my ever growing list of things to do.
I can fully appreciate why you might have a panic attack while crossing the FRB. I was always a little "uncomfortable" crossing it in a 44 ton lorry. At least on a bike you can do a U-turn and head back!

Sounds like a good plan by mcshroom. If he can make it from south of the border then I'm sure I can make the expedition from the west coast .

 

[Scotmitchy]

Thanks guys, you have made me feel a bit better.

I am okay driving over it, don't like it, but cannot look down from a car, so never let it stop me.

However, it was once I was on the bridge and it was moving etc, and there was nobody about to distract me, I just felt sick as sick could be. Not sure if it was a real panic attack, or just a flight mode, either way, discretion beat valour lol.

To my mind this is a perfectly rational thing to freak out about (so high, so high) so not really a panic attack more of a giving in to my fears.

Glad to hear other people have similar fears or similar sensations - sorry for you, but reassuring to me!

For what it is worth the Kincardine Bridge was a doddle to pedal over lo.

 

[XmisterIS]

this may sound perverse, but it might be an idea to give abseiling a go - start small at your local climbing centre and gradually get higher and higher. I used to be terrified of heights until I started rock climbing.

 

[numbnuts]

well done on your 33 miles, if there had been a snake on the bridge I would not have crossed it either, I hate snakes everyone has a fear

 

[Scotmitchy]

this may sound perverse, but it might be an idea to give abseiling a go - start small at your local climbing centre and gradually get higher and higher. I used to be terrified of heights until I started rock climbing.

I have actually done abseiling - hated it, but did it. To my mind just avoiding heights is common sense! Pity I live near a bridge ha ha.

 

[XmisterIS]

Ah well, I thought I'd try to come up with something useful!

Everyone does have a fear - mine is for large flying insects. Once, many years ago, a maybug flew into my open jacket as I was walking down the street ... instantly and without thinking, I began falsetto screaming like a woman and clawing at my jacket like it was trying to kill me ... I managed to get the jacket off, threw it down on the pavement and began stamping on it in a frenzy. Then I stopped and realised everyone was looking at me with a "wtf??" expression ...

 

[Scotmitchy]

Xmister that made me laugh, sorry, but it cheered me up.

Numb nuts, I actually like snakes

 

[Coco]

Focus on the new PB and not the bridge.

+1 for a CC Ecosse trip over the bridge. Its on my to-do list.

 

[forwater]

I have an issue with stairs, myself. I have to go down them very slowly for fear of falling down. I've got to stop and make sure of where my feet are, sometimes, too- just to make sure I'm not going to step wrong and go tumbling down. It's completely irrational, but there you are.

Great job on your PB! I can't wait for the day that I'll be able to ride 25 miles in one go and not collapse and die right after. xD

 

[HLaB]

Well done on your longest ride Mitch. Plenty of folk don't like heights, don't worry about it, the first time I crossed the FRB as a kid I got all the way to the other side but had to force my self I had similar anxieties. I'd now go over it several times without thinking and have done it in gales. I think the secret is to stay towards the middle of path, don't look down and keep moving.