Negative thoughts before riding

Cokeham23
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Cokeham23 2/4/2017 12:06am
2/4/2017 12:06am
yz125 rider wrote:
Ive been riding for a couple of years now and this wasn't so much before hand when I first started but after a year of riding...
Ive been riding for a couple of years now and this wasn't so much before hand when I first started but after a year of riding I just started having these negative thoughts as soon as I got my bike such as "what if I fall off" and I just keep thinking about crashing when I'm riding and it really isn't good as I feel it knocks my confidence when riding hugely and I feel like I ever can improve I love this sport so much but I don't know why I feel like this riding bikes is my favourite thing to do and makes me so happy but recently I don't know why I've started to think so negatively I see my friends and I'm the slowest out of all of them as well which doesn't help I wanna be up the top battling it out with them! But I can't seem to I always end up being in a bad mood on a good day of ridingSad does anyone have any advice to help me over come these thoughts i would
Appreciate it extremely!!!
I can relate to you man. I sometimes get those negative thoughts running through my mind. I can't say it's ever happened while riding, but sometimes on the gate, I'll start thinking of what can go bad (mainly crashing in the first corner), but once the gate guy gives the thumbs up and runs to drop the gate, my mind turns off and instincts kind of kick in. Practice days, not so much crashing, but I'll worry about being slow and whatnot, basically just stuff that seems from low confidence on the bike, if I do a couple good laps or hit a section good, all that negative stuff just goes away. You're kind of similar to me, nearly all of my friends are faster and better riders than me, which helps and kills you at the same time. It'll definitely mess up your confidence knowing you're the slow guy before you even unload, then it's kind of down hill from there. My best advice would be look into riding lessons. The better technique you learn, the better bike control you'll have. With that, will come more confidence (and speed), then I think those negative thoughts will get drowned out by having fun and doing good. I started working with a buddy here who does riding lessons, it's literally been a night and day difference in my riding, which has boosted my confidence up too. Like I said though, I still get those bad thoughts, but it's that confidence in your abilities that will make you realize it's just "thoughts", and not actually the case.
Richard Hard 2/4/2017 12:38am
2/4/2017 12:38am
Oh yeah,cant wait to get to the track,the week cant go fast enough,but once there and out on the track i think i dont want to do this,but after a couple of rides it all comes good
chump6784
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chump6784 2/4/2017 12:51am
2/4/2017 12:51am
Just get some good income protection insurance. I make more money if I get hurt than my business makes per month
Fearo
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Fearo 2/4/2017 12:52am
2/4/2017 12:52am Edited Date/Time 2/4/2017 12:52am
Without wanting to sound cocky, those thoughts come from a certain intelligence. I've said it a million times before, you are at an advantage in motocross if you're not that intelligent. Not dumb as a rock, but not that smart either, because intelligence is often accompanied by a certain amount of self doubt and "what if".

Fortonately, I rarely feel bad 'while' I'm riding, but I can certainly relate to those thoughts before riding, or just standing trackside. I often think "how on earth are 30 freaking people going to fit in that first turn without half of us dying?" or I see a guy holding it WFO on a rutted jump face and get kind of depressed, thinking that even if I had the skills to do that, I probably wouldn't have the commitment.

Best advice I can give (and also the hardest to master) is to not worry about other people, but only focus on yourself. Think about what YOU can do to improve mentally, physically or skill-wise. Don't be discouraged by people that are suddenly faster than you, because there always will be someone faster and not everyone's skills increase at the same pace. And don't think that you've hit a "ceiling" either because you haven't. You probably won't turn into the next Ken Roczen but for an amateur racer there are always ways to improve. Keep your head up.

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kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 2/4/2017 2:23am
2/4/2017 2:23am Edited Date/Time 2/4/2017 2:24am
Don't try to win everything, some guys try to win practice, win the biggest jump with their buddies, lap everyone at the local farm track........just ride!
yz125 rider 2/4/2017 2:37am
2/4/2017 2:37am
Thanks guys really shows how close the moto community is and how willing we're able to help eachother Smile I've decided
To try and get as much seat time as I possibly can from now on I know these thoughts are perfectly normal and can be part of riding and I realise that dirtbikes are real fun I just need to go to the track with a clear mindset and when I get on the bike not think about it to much either, again thanks guys really helped me out!Smile
yz125 rider 2/4/2017 3:21am
2/4/2017 3:21am
Steve125 wrote:
Listen to music.. really loud. drown out those negative voices in your head and go to the line pumped to kick some ass.
Thank man appreciate definitely will have to do that next time I ride Which should be soon! The problem with riding over here in the UK is that it's constantly wet and I'm only 16 so can't take myself anywhere have to rely on my dadSad
yz125 rider 2/4/2017 4:10am
2/4/2017 4:10am
Fearo wrote:
Without wanting to sound cocky, those thoughts come from a certain intelligence. I've said it a million times before, you are at an advantage in motocross...
Without wanting to sound cocky, those thoughts come from a certain intelligence. I've said it a million times before, you are at an advantage in motocross if you're not that intelligent. Not dumb as a rock, but not that smart either, because intelligence is often accompanied by a certain amount of self doubt and "what if".

Fortonately, I rarely feel bad 'while' I'm riding, but I can certainly relate to those thoughts before riding, or just standing trackside. I often think "how on earth are 30 freaking people going to fit in that first turn without half of us dying?" or I see a guy holding it WFO on a rutted jump face and get kind of depressed, thinking that even if I had the skills to do that, I probably wouldn't have the commitment.

Best advice I can give (and also the hardest to master) is to not worry about other people, but only focus on yourself. Think about what YOU can do to improve mentally, physically or skill-wise. Don't be discouraged by people that are suddenly faster than you, because there always will be someone faster and not everyone's skills increase at the same pace. And don't think that you've hit a "ceiling" either because you haven't. You probably won't turn into the next Ken Roczen but for an amateur racer there are always ways to improve. Keep your head up.
Thanks man good advice I completely understand where ur coming from, If only I was intelligent
matze
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matze 2/4/2017 4:27am
2/4/2017 4:27am Edited Date/Time 2/4/2017 4:31am
To me it sounds like your main problem is youre expecting too much out of yourself and then you get disappointed if you not reach your goal.
At first change your goals. Obviously to battle with the top guys like you said...forget about it!!
Dont push, learn the technique at first while riding in a speed where you can conentrate on your bodyposition. Try to ride most of the time while standing (also in corners)...

These are a few tipps that helped me a lot few years back. Good luck!
PastranaWho
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PastranaWho 2/4/2017 4:42am
2/4/2017 4:42am
1 can of coors light would give me the correct buzz to feel good and calm the nerves before racing. When i was done racing i would drink the rest with buddies.
tuggy450
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tuggy450 2/4/2017 4:44am
2/4/2017 4:44am
I'm gonna take a different approach to this. Your fears are healthy. Perhaps your bike setup is what is the problem. See if you can find someone to set your clickers sag. Sometimes the bike is actually the problem. Hard to be comfortable without negative thoughts when your suspension has a mind of it's own.

Even pros have problems with setup, bad setup confidence goes out the window.. Being 16 years old, and only riding a few years you probably have no idea what it should really feel like. I used to ride some friends bikes all the time, get off and say hey your forks are too soft, your rear end packs through the whoops, It's all over the place on breaking bumps, etc etc. Basically the bike is unrideable at speed. Your gonna kill yourself on that thing, lol. My brother used to just say hey take this thing for a ride, dial it in for me.
Learn to play with the suspension settings, Really sometimes it is like night and day. Ride other bikes see what you like about how those bikes handle. Speed matters, sometimes things will feel ok at a low speed but once pushed the flaws show and everything is sketchy. No way to be confident or forget about getting hurt when you are on a sketchy bike to begin with
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 4:49am
2/4/2017 4:49am
reded wrote:
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck...
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck it up and go have fun." Hasn't failed me yet, my next of kin will inform you when it does.
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate drop. Once the race starts all that shit disappears! I did notice that if I'm in a race and riding without anyone around me my mind can tend to wander a bit so I've tried to keep myself completely focused on the track, the next turn, the next obstacle.

There are so many anti anxiety techniques out there and they all seem based in distracting the mind from what it "Thinks" is about to happen. It sounds cliche but any technique that can keep us in the present and not worrying about what we think is about to happen in the future definitely has some merit to it.

One of my favorite quotes is. "Your mind is a terrible liar, Don't believe everything you think".
Joko
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Joko 2/4/2017 6:47am
2/4/2017 6:47am
chump6784 wrote:
Just get some good income protection insurance. I make more money if I get hurt than my business makes per month
I just started looking into this type of coverage, but most insurance companies won't cover more than 66% of your income. Which insurance company are you using?
dcg141
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dcg141 2/4/2017 7:09am
2/4/2017 7:09am
I used to be that way and for the most part I was just putting way to much pressure on myself. So finally I just started riding within myself. I have a pace, I know where it is and I don't let others dictate how I ride. If I get beaten then I need to get in better shape or just get faster. But consistently riding over your head is just an invitation to injury. Once I started doing that 2 things happened. Those negative thoughts went away and my results improved. I make way fewer mistakes now and allow myself a better shot at wherever I finish. I also enjoy my day more than ever. Just remember that other than your wife or gf and the few guys in your class, no one else cares where you finish.
Thelen20
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Thelen20 2/4/2017 7:10am
2/4/2017 7:10am
I imagine everyone who rides has had those thoughts. I have for sure. It's a high risk activity that we are taking part in. I do everything in my power to make it as safe as possible then I say a prayer and enjoy the amazing rush that is MOTOCROSS!!! There is truly nothing else on earth like it!
Camp332
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Camp332 2/4/2017 7:15am
2/4/2017 7:15am
reded wrote:
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck...
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck it up and go have fun." Hasn't failed me yet, my next of kin will inform you when it does.
Frodad78 wrote:
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate...
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate drop. Once the race starts all that shit disappears! I did notice that if I'm in a race and riding without anyone around me my mind can tend to wander a bit so I've tried to keep myself completely focused on the track, the next turn, the next obstacle.

There are so many anti anxiety techniques out there and they all seem based in distracting the mind from what it "Thinks" is about to happen. It sounds cliche but any technique that can keep us in the present and not worrying about what we think is about to happen in the future definitely has some merit to it.

One of my favorite quotes is. "Your mind is a terrible liar, Don't believe everything you think".
I am with you frodad. Meditation or prayer has been the best for me. Sometimes it could be as simple as "dear (insert your higher power here) please allow me to relax, and have fun, amen"

reded
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reded 2/4/2017 7:17am
2/4/2017 7:17am
reded wrote:
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck...
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck it up and go have fun." Hasn't failed me yet, my next of kin will inform you when it does.
Frodad78 wrote:
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate...
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate drop. Once the race starts all that shit disappears! I did notice that if I'm in a race and riding without anyone around me my mind can tend to wander a bit so I've tried to keep myself completely focused on the track, the next turn, the next obstacle.

There are so many anti anxiety techniques out there and they all seem based in distracting the mind from what it "Thinks" is about to happen. It sounds cliche but any technique that can keep us in the present and not worrying about what we think is about to happen in the future definitely has some merit to it.

One of my favorite quotes is. "Your mind is a terrible liar, Don't believe everything you think".
I hear you on the mind wandering. I'm liable to be out there singing a song that's stuck in my head or making up lyrics to e song or quoting lines from a movie in various voices.
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 7:25am
2/4/2017 7:25am
reded wrote:
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck...
That's kinda deep Fro. I'm more the type that just shuts the thoughts off and tell myself, "this could be the best day ever, so suck it up and go have fun." Hasn't failed me yet, my next of kin will inform you when it does.
Frodad78 wrote:
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate...
I know I wish I could be just the type to switch it off. Its usually only necessary when I'm sitting on the line before gate drop. Once the race starts all that shit disappears! I did notice that if I'm in a race and riding without anyone around me my mind can tend to wander a bit so I've tried to keep myself completely focused on the track, the next turn, the next obstacle.

There are so many anti anxiety techniques out there and they all seem based in distracting the mind from what it "Thinks" is about to happen. It sounds cliche but any technique that can keep us in the present and not worrying about what we think is about to happen in the future definitely has some merit to it.

One of my favorite quotes is. "Your mind is a terrible liar, Don't believe everything you think".
Camp332 wrote:
I am with you frodad. Meditation or prayer has been the best for me. Sometimes it could be as simple as "dear (insert your higher power...
I am with you frodad. Meditation or prayer has been the best for me. Sometimes it could be as simple as "dear (insert your higher power here) please allow me to relax, and have fun, amen"

I'm glad to hear that man, I've always wondered if other moto guys meditated, I feel like having the ability to quiet our own mental noise could be really helpful for alot of racers. Oh and deadlift squat curls Bro!!

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Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 7:26am
2/4/2017 7:26am
reded wrote:
I hear you on the mind wandering. I'm liable to be out there singing a song that's stuck in my head or making up lyrics to...
I hear you on the mind wandering. I'm liable to be out there singing a song that's stuck in my head or making up lyrics to e song or quoting lines from a movie in various voices.
haha, its the worst when you are out front..." I wonder who will die in Game of Thrones Tonight" What the hell? haha
Ted722
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Ted722 2/4/2017 7:30am
2/4/2017 7:30am
Does this happen on any style of track? Any size bike? On the same day, same track I've raced a CR500 and a YZ125. Never had any fear/negative thoughts on the 125. The 500..that's a different story! Negative thoughts/Fear is human nature, self preservation. Nothing wrong with that!

Do you guys go trail riding at all? Any negative thoughts out there?
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 7:40am
2/4/2017 7:40am
Ted722 wrote:
Does this happen on any style of track? Any size bike? On the same day, same track I've raced a CR500 and a YZ125. Never had...
Does this happen on any style of track? Any size bike? On the same day, same track I've raced a CR500 and a YZ125. Never had any fear/negative thoughts on the 125. The 500..that's a different story! Negative thoughts/Fear is human nature, self preservation. Nothing wrong with that!

Do you guys go trail riding at all? Any negative thoughts out there?
No never on the trails, For me trial riding is a vacation all on its own. No pressure, just rippin through the trees with my buddies. But its funny how quick I get bored with it.
Idp57
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Idp57 2/4/2017 7:47am
2/4/2017 7:47am
@Frodad78:Man you killed me with "Game of Thrones " hhahaha.You made my day.Thanks
Ted722
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Ted722 2/4/2017 7:52am
2/4/2017 7:52am
Ted722 wrote:
Does this happen on any style of track? Any size bike? On the same day, same track I've raced a CR500 and a YZ125. Never had...
Does this happen on any style of track? Any size bike? On the same day, same track I've raced a CR500 and a YZ125. Never had any fear/negative thoughts on the 125. The 500..that's a different story! Negative thoughts/Fear is human nature, self preservation. Nothing wrong with that!

Do you guys go trail riding at all? Any negative thoughts out there?
Frodad78 wrote:
No never on the trails, For me trial riding is a vacation all on its own. No pressure, just rippin through the trees with my buddies...
No never on the trails, For me trial riding is a vacation all on its own. No pressure, just rippin through the trees with my buddies. But its funny how quick I get bored with it.
Yeah, it can get boring (especially when I'm by myself). Point being is I like to mix it up. Seat time is key and knowing what you and your motorcycle are capable of (in different conditions) is important.
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 8:02am
2/4/2017 8:02am
I agree^^^ my trail riding made me into a big time stand up type of rider. My dad used to threaten to take the seat off my bike when i was young too haha..
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 8:03am
2/4/2017 8:03am
Idp57 wrote:
@Frodad78:Man you killed me with "Game of Thrones " hhahaha.You made my day.Thanks
Laughing Seriously when does it start back up?
Idp57
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Idp57 2/4/2017 8:17am
2/4/2017 8:17am
June 25th I thinkSmile
bdub
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bdub 2/4/2017 8:23am
2/4/2017 8:23am
tempura wrote:
Yoga
I second this, Yoga isn't just for granola eaters and tree huggers, the best benefit with yoga is how it helps you focus, stops all of those little thoughts running through your head.
bad juju
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bad juju 2/4/2017 8:23am
2/4/2017 8:23am


Go for some desert rides with some friends.
resetjet
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resetjet 2/4/2017 8:29am
2/4/2017 8:29am
shaffstall721 wrote:
You have anxiety, everyone has those thoughts you just focus on them more than normal people.

Learn to ignore them.
Exactly. You have to tell yourself these feelings arent real. There is no tiger in front of you. You have to slow down and relax. Yes you can get hurt. But the reality is you wont. just ride within your ability. Your mind will tell you when its ok to try the next thing at the spur of the moment. Dont think about it in advance. And the advice about technique is the right way to get faster. Or you will be in the same rut for a long time.
Frodad78
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Frodad78 2/4/2017 8:32am
2/4/2017 8:32am
tempura wrote:
Yoga
bdub wrote:
I second this, Yoga isn't just for granola eaters and tree huggers, the best benefit with yoga is how it helps you focus, stops all of...
I second this, Yoga isn't just for granola eaters and tree huggers, the best benefit with yoga is how it helps you focus, stops all of those little thoughts running through your head.
I missed this..I agree as well with the focus part, also good for core strength and day after riding stretching.

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