First off, wow. Crazy experience!

Second, part is just getting over it. I hit a car over the summer (yes, I hit it) and while it made me nervous to go past parked cars, and every now and then it still makes me think "what if" most of the time those thoughts are gone and I enjoy it again.

Some things that might help getting back in:
(1) Ride in an area with few (or no) cars. Or one with a low speedlimit and good visibility. There are some bike paths around where I am that work well for that. I'd say even if you have to drive there to ride, it would be good to get confidence back on the bike without vehicles, and you can slowly add in more traveled areas.
(2) Ride with a friend or two, which often makes a group more visible. If they are ok with it, you might even ask if you can ride with someone behind and someone in front of you. That way you have a security blanket of sorts, and again will be able to get you confidence back while limiting fears.
(3) Falling hurts. But you heal. I ended up with a concussion and no arms for a while (a break and a sprain). But now? Yeah, sometimes it's sore. But it was months and months of good rides, even over a year of good rides. And one crash, and a few months of healing. For all the good times, yeah, I guess I just think it is worth it.

Part of the time you just have to remember... everything is dangerous. You never know when you might get hurt walking down the street, driving a car, in your own home watching tv, or yes, on a bike. But at the same time, remember how much more enjoyable life is with those things.

And come here for support! We'll remind you how strong you really are (as if that story shouldn't prove it to you for the rest of your life). *hug*

Wow, riding 42 miles with the shoulder and ribs like that - well - that is toughing it out for sure.
I have been hit twice. The first time was riding home from the bike shop - so much for that tune-up. I got flipped up over the hood into the windshield. Actually had to go to the hospital that time. Then again last season got hit - thankfully had a helmet as I took a good head shot. Each time I was very nervous getting back on the bike. kyillee has some good points. I tend to ride by myself, so I rode bike trails to get back into the feel again. I love riding, so I was anxious to get rolling again. You just have to get back up on the bike. Take it easy and stay focused. Good luck.

Wow...what a experience...
I remember when I was a little boy, about 4 or 5 I was really scared of darkness...it realley freacked me out...to the point of panic...particulary at night...
That went on for a little over a year...no sleep, cranky all the time...I was a troubled little kid...until my granfather gave a flashlight....and he said to me: "Son...the only way to conquer your fears is look in to your demons face to face" But that time the only thing I understood was to turn the flashlight everytime I thought something was out there in the dark....
Now in adulthood...I really understand what he wanted to teach me a long time ago....
So I apply that to everytime there is a challege or fear infront of me....
So Kelli don´t be sad....be strong...stronger....face your fear...stay focused...remember we all do this because is fun....take good care to choose where are you going to start riding as the other guys said. Take one day at the time.
My best wishes to you, and hope to hear from you..telling us that you are back and fighting.... :)

Wow this is a good thread, just what I needed as well.
Thanks to everyone for the advice.
I am going through a similar experience.
Last November I was involved in a bicycle accident while training for the Tour de Tucson.
The end result was a broken collarbone (which was not discovered until a week later).
…5 weeks in an arm sling, another 4 in physical therapy, finally 12 weeks out I am feeling somewhat normal.
I started riding again, but now riding really stresses me out (and I normally love to ride).
Hopefully this will pass with time. The thought of crashing again doesn’t bother me as much as the thought of loosing 9-12 weeks of training (but that’s just me).
- T

The last time I got hit, I had just purchased my new bike and was completing my first long ride. As it became evident that I was going to be hit (that slow motion thing) my first thought was that I couldn't let my bike get damaged - It was New! I actually tried to shield my bike from the pickup truck. Resulting with me taking the brunt of the collision on my left arm shoulder and head. The bike came through with nothing more than derailing the chain. Me: bruises and a mild concussion. I was only a mile from home and rode home (not real bright there - as I actually had blacked out for a few seconds). My wife wasn't nearly as pleased as I was that I was able to keep my bike from being damaged.
I too feel pretty lucky that in comparision my accidents were very minor.

Too bad they couldn't give your bike the bed next to you!!

It is nice when things like that bring the best out in people.

What an experience, which I'm hopin' I never have to but everyone has to sometime. I have rode horses all my life, and there is always a sayin' that fallin off makes you a better rider. Also if you fall of your horse you ALWAYS get back on again b/c that horse knows he/she is in control of you. I know it is a bike, no feelings and not alive but like ANOTHER sayin' is, "Cowboy/girl Up". Take what advice you have recieved from here and do what you have to do. If you can ride w/ a seperated shoulder and broken ribs you have courage by far. I wish you all the luck and just get back up on that saddle and ride b/c you love it. Hope this helps, it just seriously reminds me of riding. You're golden! *Bling bling!*

I thought it was the ground/car/other bike that was the hard part... or maybe it's just my head that is :p

thanks to everyone for the encouraging words. I'm going to try and shoot for a ride later this week.

Kelli