My WORST day on a bike...!!!! 😢 // Day 3 Ride Across the Dolomites
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- Опубликовано: 20 сен 2024
- This was pretty awful and had to cut the ride short.
This is the ride for Day 3 Ride Across the Dolomites: / strava
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I feel you. Nothing ruins a ride more than risk of life and limb.
I wish every driver could experience that feeling. Their behavior would change!
What you describe is something only a road cyclist can really appreciate, to regularly be an inch or two away from a serious accident with potentially life changing/ending consequences can overwhelm a person's emotions. I wish more motorists could appreciate this.
I agree but they seem to have a different level of risk. Even if they were on a bike they wouldn't take a close pass as anything to stress about. They accept risk like its a matter of course and kind of laugh at people who don't think the same as them.
Exactly. I think it would be helpful if everyone who takes a driving test has to ride a bike and have an instructor drive past closely to experience what's it's like.
@@BoomsRiddico4868 I think they would be equally stressed by an idiot passing a few inches from them. I think many have absolutely no idea what it feels like.
There's nothing worse than feeling totally vulnerable on your bike, I felt so awful seeing you cry, we've all had close passes but when you get so many in one ride it's scary, not being bratty!!!!! We love you and please take care of yourself xx
She cries in just about every upload.
@@iann23 so not true, she excels in joy on the bike 99% of the time, I know like most cyclists how awful close passes can be, it's scary, I'm glad she shares her experiences with us, good and bad x
Never fake positivity. Continue to be honest and genuine. It’s what makes your clips so informative. Take care.
Thanks for telling it how it is Katie. It’s horrible when your peace of mind is affected and you are genuinely frightened. It’s bizarre that Italian drivers hate cyclists when Italy has such a proud cycling history and culture. Thank goodness that France and Spain are safe to cycle in and just as magnificent!
Italy used to have a proud cycling culture. Here in Tuscany where I am currently living, I never see any cyclists around the town where I live and am lucky if I see a cyclist or 2 on Sunday rides. Never used to be like this.
Italy is very car centric, and with this political enviroment there is no hope things will improve soon, the governament is actually trying to get rid of speed cameras and lowering speed limits, the traffic code here impose a distance of 1.5m to pass a cyclist but drivers don't give a fuck because there won't be consequences unless they actually hit you and even in that case good luck with finding the perpetrator. By the way one of the last close passes I got was by a local police's car, local police in italy mainly deal with traffic violations.
Hi Katie, I'm very sorry about your stress on the road. Close car passes are usual in Italy because Italian car drivers HATE cyclists. I am a cyclist and i ride on road near Rome. Here is much worse then in Dolomites.
We risk our life every time we ride bicycle . I decided to buy a Gravel bike instead of a road bike to avoid this dangerous situations.
Even the Police and Carabinieri don't protect us, according to them we are a BIG problem.
Unfortunately, the law of the strongest and biggest applies on Italian roads like in the Jungle. Have nice ride and journey.
Forza Katie!!! Sei forte!!!🤟🤟
Roberto
Thank you for explaining this to the rest of us. All I ever hear is how bad it is here in the US. Never knew there was also a bad situation in Italy.
Dear lady, you are crossing a dangerous area, last year a man was killed by a bear, be careful.
Thanks for the privilege of sharing your journey,both the good and the bad. Your honesty adds greatly to the experience. Stay safe!
What you describe is exactly like riding rural roads in parts of the US. Mostly "kids" in huge trucks passing you within inches and blasting their horns. Or yelling "get off the road!". The only times I'm on those roads now is during organized rides and always with a mirror on the end of my handle bar to see them coming ... It has improved somewhat with more people cycling but it's still "us vs. them".
imho, yes, younger people are just much more dangerous on the road. I live in Europe but sometimes they even invade the road's shoulder trying to go fast and look fancy on their motorized vehicles
spot on. I'm a Brit living in the US and am apalled how poorly cars treat cyclists. It's simply not safe to be on the road in most places, certainly not alone.
We have the same
Dick Heads here in Southern Ontario Canada. 9 out of 10 times we get buzzed it’s by a redneck in a beat up pick up.
I cycle on rural road in the U.S. all the time and rarely get a close pass. It does happen but it is definitely not the norm. If anything, I find the opposite problem is true. Cars just sitting behind me and not passing me when there is plenty of opportunity to do so.
The best you can do in regards to your own safety,when you can't control what other road users are doing then is time to evaluate the situation,you made the right decision Katie, tomorrows another day,take care 😎
I understand you completely! I think every cyclist experiences this type of driving but in Italy it almost feels like its a type of sport to see how close they can get. Chin up!
So sorry you had to experience the bad driving. In my experience in the south of Italy , the driving is even worse. In the Dolomites I didn't have such bad experiences last summer. But it totally sucks people take so little care :(
We go to Il Lombardia every year and it appears to me the Italian drivers NEVER give you space, they seem to think we are all super confident riders that are not bothered by close passes! it is a trade off to cycle the most beautiful mountains and lakes in a stunning country..........
the traffic code in italy was recently change and now cars must give 1.5 meters to cyclists, but unfortunatly dashcam video evidence can't be used by police to issue traffc violations so very few care.
I rode my motorcycle from the southeast to the northwest of Italy. They are without exception the worst drivers in Europe. I think you were being overly kind to say it's not all of them. I certainly wouldn't be rushing back there.
Portuguese a close second!
Lots of close passes was also my experience of the Dolomites. Chatting to our Italian guide he said they overtake very close to all vehicles.
Actually, I dont think this is a real problem. I prefer the Italian way. Here, in Austria, they do it as well, but in addition with much higher speed. Italians are quite respectful imo.
As a traveller we have to accept that some places are shit, some people are shit and some experiences are shit. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows. Finish your trip, label it as shit and look forward to the next adventure…..
I got rid of my road bike 10 years ago, but continue to ride my mountain bike. I search out dedicated bike trails, fire roads and try my hardest to stay clear of cars. Distracted drivers using cell phones as well as a growing, aggressive, attitudes towards cyclists makes road biking more dangerous than ever. Those roads that you are cycling look very dangerous, and the rain makes them even more so. I was surprised you subjected yourself to the dangers. I hope someday you will give mountain biking a shot . You'll get your climbing and beautiful views and challenges..
Similar situation with myself, live in Cyprus, drivers have no regard for other people's lives, worst stats in Europe for road deaths. I switched to Gravel,I can now bypass dangerous roads and go cross country. It's actually a better riding experience.
The roads in Italy are extremely narrow and Italians drive extremely fast for them. So you have to travel in groups so the cars will give you the amount of space needed. Also, Italian drivers never leave the horn alone.
The ride today is never as important as the ride tomorrow. Stopping early means you didn't risk your future rides. Smart girl.
I live in the American state of Ohio. Every time I go for a ride, 5 to 10 drivers come very close to me. Last week, while riding my motorcycle, a car passed me in my lane, hitting my elbow and forcing me off into a field of grass. Twenty years ago, it was very rare when someone passed me too close. Today, it is all the time. Many people in America have become angry and impatient. They would rather endanger a cyclist's life than wait for oncoming traffic to pass before going around a cyclist.
I hope the rest of your trip will be much better.
I had the same experience riding in the Dolomites. Italians seem to just drive close and it’s not meant to scare the bicyclist. They just see to think it is okay to get that close to bicyclists.
I started riding on streets & roads on Christmas Day of 1967, & it’s been a long 57 yrs of looking over my shoulder since. After more than 55 yrs it was an illegally derestricted ebike on a multi-use path that put me in a hospital. Our federal ADA overrides local law to an extent, but predating electric wheelchairs & other powered mobility devices as it does, our local code prohibits any form of a powered conveyance on the paths - but that’s a different story.
In the States “punishment passes” & brushoffs are common. There’s something about an adult on a bike that sets people off, & the ones who will literally run & hide if you chase them down & confront them are the worst.
Here’s what I’ve learned will mitigate problems as much or more than any other thing you can do:
1. Highly visible clothing or kit. I ride in cargo shorts & a t-shit, but the t-shirts are high-vis safety yellow things made for road crews & deck hands & the like.
2. Daytime lights front & rear with good exposures to both sides.
3. Asserting yourself with traffic.
I make a 220 lb high-vis goof on a lit-up bike of myself, & take the lane at will. When using lights in particular, people seem to understand that there will be no excuse for hitting me. They follow further back until they can safely pass, then give me the entire lane when they do. They don’t left or right hook as readily as they otherwise might, & they don’t just take my turn to go at 4-way stops, etc.
Part of that is my age, part of it is my size & strength, & part of it is clearly the fact that I’m leaving absolutely no space for a claim that I wasn’t seen.
I personally think lights are of equal value day or night, & at this point I just don’t ride without them.
Take Care. 👍
Just wanna reach through the screen and give you a big hug! It’s very unsettling when you have close calls. I’ve driven in most countries in Europe and I’d say Italian drivers are certainly among the most aggressive and impatient.
The most important thing is that you’re ok. But it’s really unfortunate that it shook your confidence and it’s probably no jaded an iconic region for you.
Hopefully you’ll have an amazing experience with a TON of like minded people tomorrow.
Adore you for being real and telling it like it really is. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly….it’s all part of the experience for better or for worse.
Have an amazing day tomorrow and let that one fill your memories ❤
It’s Italian drivers in general. Went to Milan two years ago and they were parking on pedestrian crossings and on pavements and where there were signs specifically saying not to park.
Your content is magnificent, Katie, but your safety is of paramount importance, and we always want you to be as safe as you can be. You never have to apologize for prioritizing it.
I’m with you Katie! I’ve been hit from behind with a serious injury so I’m sensitive to close passes. More times than not I let the driver know my feelings with a certain gesture!😂 It’s really too bad that such a beautiful place is ruined by a few thoughtless and rude drivers. I don’t blame you for not wanting to come back. I hope you enjoy the rest of your ride.
Plan your next tour in Germany or Denmark!
Germany has a law for passing cyclists: 1.5 m distance in urban traffic, 2 m out of cities or villages.
Denmark has almost everywhere separated cycling paths besides the roads, often even separated in each direction. 😉
Yes, but obviously no driver seem know this...
@@sunny5142 Wrong. Approx 80 to 90 % of Berlin drivers obtain this law.
Austria has a similar law and 95% of the drivers don't give a flying f*ck. It is usually more like between 0.5 m and 1 m. Sometimes even less.
France and Spain totally agree and I am just 64 live in Wiltshire and only ride lanes never A roads, it definitely knocks you back but thank you for your honesty and I’m forming people. But remember the generosity of strangers and it keeps you loving cycling new places,as always total respect ✊🏻
I feel your pain, have cycled from Munich to Rome and as much as Italy was my highlight few first days were mentally draining, no shoulders on the road and as long as you are going fast the drivers give you space and wait for the opportunity to over pass, the moment you climbing slow they overtake you in minimal space, what helped me a bit Garmin Varia radar, so i haven't been surprised
Gutted that you had such a crap experience. The close calls are scary enough, and then you lump that on top of not even being able to enjoy the views (unless you're a nut who is into clouds and rain for some reason). Thanks for being so open and sharing your experience with us so honestly. It takes tremendous courage, arguably moreso than going on one of these solo unsupported trips. I'm definitely investing in a Varia 715 for the roads here in the States. Here's wishing you clear skies and courteous drivers! 🥂
Exactly my experience in the dolomites earlier this year too. The passes are mostly okay, but the valleys are just aweful. There is a reason why pro riders dont train in the alps usually.
I also had some really bad encounters with motorists and motorcyclists on italian roads. Very good that you are adressing this topic!
Italian here: I'm really sorry for what you went through. Unfortunatley, we get used to being abused (and often killed) by idiotic drivers here. What's worse, just like in other countries, cyclists are seen as a bunch of irresponsible morons that should be working instead of riding their bikes around. Makes no sense: Italy has an amazing biking history, with quite a few revered athletes... I've lived here for almost forty years, I still don't get were this disrespect comes from
So sorry you've had to endure those close passes. Thank you for being so honest and authentic. Your health and wellbeing is a priority and I'm glad that you've made it so. 😊
Hi Katie, you're an inspiration to your subscribers on this channel thank you for being real with us. So sorry about this experience. Above all be safe and take care of yourself out there 🇮🇪
Ooh Katie, so sorry this isn’t going the way you hoped, hopefully things will improve. It’s fine to cry, you are always very honest. That’s why I love your vids!🥰
Love your honesty. You are not alone. Riding on roads today is such an unpredictable experience.❤❤ Stay safe.😊
So sorry for your experience with the car culture..
After decades of road riding, I got fed up with battling cars. So at 65, I switched to gravel riding. Ditched clip in shoes too and the lycra😅. Living in the Pacific NW of the U.S. We are blessed with thousands of miles of gravel.
So glad you are taking about this. It makes me feel less alone. The cumulative effect of fast close passes can be corrosive.
Yesterday I had a friendly experience with a driver. Brightened my day.
I’ve been to Italy once, the drivers were completely mental, like totally unhinged. It was like real life Mario carts.
Also Katie, take up skiing and ski the Sellaronda in the winter, IMO it’s even more beautiful in the winter when covered in snow. If you like mountains you really can get up close and personal on skis.
Not if you value your own safety, skier on skier crashes are very common today
All I have ever heard from people who had gone on cycling holidays in Italy is that they were closed passed and felt in fear of their lives. Often felt that Italy in many ways is the prefect cycling location. I won’t be going anytime soon.
Your concerns and emotions are 100 percent valid/real. My outdoor riding around me in Texas has been brought to a halt due to inconsiderate or "distracted" drivers. I know this pain.
From an Italian please accept our apologies for this awful behaviour. I've had many extremely close passes on there as well, once i was literally shrunk against the side wall on a switchback on San Pellegrino pass. You never get really accustomed to it, but sort of cope with it unfortunately.
Feeling unsafe on the roads is a terrible thing all of us face at some point. I've had it happen in my local area and I have learned to avoid certain routes and ultimately moved to riding gravel and trails most of the time. To have it happen on a dream trip is such a lost opportunity on top of the fear no one should experience. I hope things improve on the trip and thank you for showing the reality of the ride.
My heart goes out to you. We’ve all been there at some point in time.
Katie, don’t feel bad about telling the truth. I went cycling in Umbria this summer whilst on holiday and, like you, I was shocked by the amount of close passes. I thought it was just a UK thing, but obviously the Italian are prone to it too. Very surprising given how much they love the sport of cycling. Stay safe out there😁🚴♀️💪
Katie I’m in Italy bikepacking this week and the roads are horrendous. Never again! Agree I’ve drivers wanting to intimidate- I can’t believe how consistently bad it is
Really really sorry to hear about this Katie. People who've hidden in cars their whole lives, never ridden a bike seriously, have absolutely no idea of the physchological impacts of what a close call does to a person who's in such a vulnerable position. I can recall close calls from years ago. And worse it that most of them wouldn't care about their impact on anyone either. I've long said that people's solciopathic tendencies erupt once they feel insulated by their car, and it's an identical thing to how solcial media has facilitated that exact same type of phenomena. Road rage is a perfect example of the same type of manifestation, except as cyclists, we don't even get a chance to get into that situation except, perhaps, in an urban environment. I hope the rest of your trip is less subject to this.
I feel you. Here in Philippines 🇵🇭 is horrific than any other country in the world. Cycling here is like a hell.
When I compare my heart rate on rides with close calls versus rides where I’m free of traffic, there’s a dramatic difference in my average heart rate. When you’re not confident about your safety, it does things to you. Sorry about your experience @KatieK.
I'm Italian, this is why team shave altitude camps in Spain and France :) You should try gravel biking, it will take you in some stunning places in the Dolomites x
"team shave" made me think for a second ;)
Bad day on the bike. Tomorrow will be so much better. Keep faith. Ride like the wind. ✊
Bless your heart pretty girl, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and praying tomorrow is much better.
So so very sad to see you being treated with such recklessness by so many drivers. It was strange, but as I watched you crying in the video I could feel my eyes watering. I'm not at all usually like that. But to see such a kind and gentle soul like you being treated so poorly by others absolutely affected me. My fingers are crossed for a better day tomorrow since I know this trip means so much to you. Having said that, if the reckless and dangerous driving continues, be courageous enough to consider reevaluating your plans for the rest of the trip. Sorry for sounding like a parent. 🤷♂️
One of the things that I most like about you Katie is that you tell it like it is. Your experience confirms my suspicions for some time about what it would be like to cycle on the mountainous roads in Italy. Having driven in Italy on two occasions, I've both witnessed and experienced agressive and close driving.
As a car driver it was unsettling. As a cyclist it must be absolutely terrifying. Just watching that procession of Porsches drive past you as you talked into the camera at the top of a col left me in no doubt that you are just one small step away from being hit by a car in that place.
Come back home safely Katie x
Bless you , it’s not nice to see anyone upset , hope you all good , stay strong and RIDE ON ❤
I once had a driver tell me I should ride on the other side of the road , facing oncoming traffic.
it is not legal in some countries
I don't ride outside much anymore for this exact reason. Between crazy drivers and wild dogs it sucks all of the fun out of being outside and riding your bike.
❤❤❤ Glad you’re safe.
Make sure you have good rear lights and never wear black clothing when the weather dark and wet. I’m Enlglish and ride just out side Rome once or twice a year on the via Aurelia up to Fregene a small coastal town, sure traffic passes close but if you keep yourself well over it’s not a problem. Katie shouldn’t do them solo if she is so nervous that can make accidents happen🫶Stay safe🙏🏻
Like others - thanks for sharing your authentic experience. It is greatly appreciated. I also recommend using a mirror (I have one that attaches to my protective glasses (sunnies or clear for low light). I also find the Garmin Varia (audible alarm and visual on the bike computer) to be a big plus when riding alone as it keeps me more aware of vehicles coming up from behind, their speed, and the number of vehicles. No crashing, no collisions, no flats - still a good day!
Really appreciate your courage in these matters. we have crazy drivers where I live and given that, that's why I am a mountain biker. I can deal with the close calls with trees..not stupid people in cars. Wish you the best on your journeys!!
Anything that spoils a long nurtured dream is a drama. If it's not the meteo (99% of us would stay home with that weather), it's the bedbugs, now it's the habit of too many Italian drivers to wellcome cyclists brushing their arms. I'm not saying this isn't awful at all: it is, I had this constant sorrow when I biked to my workplace (I was lucky when they just passed too close, sometimes I saw that they were....texting on the smartphone, which drove me crazy). I hope that the Sella Ronda will grant you good weather, beautiful landscapes and all the fun you deserve, Katie, and your Dolomitic dream will come true, and all those bad memories "will be lost in time, like tears in rain".
Aww, bless you Katie. The traffic seems to be getting worse and worse everywhere, and the drivers can be so selfish and dangerous. We take our lives in our hands every time we ride out. Such a legend doing these iconic rides, try to see the positives in what you have achieved. Sending positive vibes 🥰
So sorry that you had this experience with close calls. As you said most are good, but the few tarnish the many. Take Care and be safe! :)
Italian drivers are mad ... done lots of cycling (and driving!) in Italy and its standard sadly ...
For a second there, it seemed like everyone in Italy drives a Porsche. Hang in there and be safe. You need some of those glasses that has a rear view mirror or a side mirror on your bike so you can see how close those cars are coming behind you. Personally, I don’t trust anyone in a car to not hit me so I mostly stay on bike paths.
Drivers need to be aware that the machine that they pilot can literally kill the people around them. A close pass is like saying "I really don't care whether you live or die". It's not just rude, it is a dehumanizing threat
Humm.. guess times gave changed. I rode some of the same passes in '91. I was so impressed by how drivers always gave us a wide bearth. 🥺
Thank you for sharing! I love Spain, not just for the riding and food, but also for how courteous the motorists are to cyclists. I was in Italy at the end of May, starting from Milan, circling Lake Como and Lake Garda, and ending in Venice. The drivers were so considerate!
It's really bad in Italy because of that I usually ride nearly on the middle of my roadside, so the car needs to go to the other side and usually that works better than stick on the right side
Hi Katie. I've just done Stelvio Pass, and yesterday I did the 103 miles around Lake Como, I had the same close passes, and even passing on a blinded bend, I was just a few centimeters from being hit. So sad there's a lot of very bad drivers the Italians seem to be in a rush. I drove from Stelvio to Como, I drive steady, keeping to the speed limit and the the Italian drivers are right up your rear, so close. Stay safe
I totally get it Katie! We just come back from a trip and rode in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, and Italy was by far the worst, we felt very unsafe where as all the other countries had the most beautiful incredible cycle paths without barely touching a main road. We rode round lake Garda which was fantastic but hairy with the drivers. My hubby uses a Garmin which just helps when you know they are coming up behind you, but doesn’t stop them being knobs unfortunately 😂 love your vids and we are thinking of doing the Pyrenees next year! Thanks for sharing your trips, I’m hooked!
As someone who cycled in Italy
Please don't Go
Driving is shocking
Every car is a near miss
Stay away
I can highly recomend any of the Varia family especially the Varia RCT716. You can atleast head for a ditch with a 100m headstart. Take care ;-)
Generally the standard of driving in Italy is somewhere between terrible and a joke.
Thanks for the honest review of your experience of riding in the Dolomites in Italy Katie. Must be impossible to enjoy the ride and the scenic surroundings when constantly worrying about being taken out by a mad driver.
Thank you for sharing your experience Katie! Stay safe as much as you can, that is so upsetting to have cars driving too close to you.
I live in South Tirol Tirol now and have never had an experience like this. Had more problem in the UK and Germany.
Hi Katie. I’ve been cycling in Tuscany all Summer. Italian drivers are the absolute pits. Far far worse than British drivers. They have absolutely no patience whatsoever.
Prayers for a hedge of protection and safety upon you, that the remaining of your trip will be a safe, peaceful, and wonderful experience 🙏🕊
Your videos are outstanding with such beautiful views and encourage myself to expand my own horizons with my much shorter rides.
A few months ago I was on a segregated bike path and a guy evading the police drives off the road onto the bike path and flies past me. Mirror less than a foot from hitting me. Usually close passes just piss me off for a few min if at all. This had me a little shook and feeling uneasy the whole ride and a couple days after. Point is, if you were feeling like this it's for a reason Katie. Maybe they aren't purposely being aggressive but it's too close for comfort. Don't feel you can't be honest when you have a bad day or like you have to be positive all the time. Your excitement and enthusiasm is infectious but being real is important. Also, I got bar end mirrors now. Super helpful I can see cars coming without having to look over my shoulder and risk veering. Only issue is they scratch easy.
I don't understand why so many cyclist wear black clothes, especially in poor conditions and expect drivers to see them in time to make a safe maneuverer to pass them.
They pass close also if you wear yellow fluo jersey like me and 2 not 1 but 2 rear light and 1 front light, belive me i'm italian and the driver here are disrespectful.
I feel with you - I've had the same experience in Italy (in my view even more often in the Dolomites than in the south). If only the scenery wasn't so stunning ...
For anyone who needs even more thrills, I recommend driving around Lake Garda on the weekend, weather permitting. Anyone who starts on the east bank and makes it to the west bank without panic attacks can then share the road in the dark tunnels with coaches, mobile homes and other crazy people. Anyone who survives the approximately 140km can then reward themselves with a pizza and a beer

Italians are almost as bad drivers as the Belgians.
Again, you should use a Varia radar, and when cars are coming behind you, take as much space as possible to the left, and move right when they are coming close.
Italy is one of the worst countries in western Europe for road safety. It's not that Italian drivers hate cyclists, there's just no respect and awareness of the rules in general. Use of mobile phones at the wheel is out of control. Dolomites is one of the most "civilised" regions. You'll find even worse in the rest of the country. Stay safe!!
Hello Katie you are an inspiration for all of us who practice cycling at any level. I completely understand you since in México it is very common for cars to not respect cyclists, going to the point of attacking their integrity. There is nothing left to do but hope that one day the situation will change, for now we just have to continue taking care of ourselves. Greetings from México.
Just relax and imagine having that day riding with one leg, because I know what a really bad day is, so buck-up, enjoy your two legs, and have fun!
I feared this would be your experience, but if you don’t call it out, nothing will ever done about it. Hoping for quieter roads on the remainder of you trip.
Your truth is your truth, if they were too close for you then they were. Full stop. I cycled in Spain and the wide bearths are amazing makes cycling loads more enjoyable, those switchbacks in the previous vid though so tempting!
So sorry you had this experience. Cars passing close was the norm when I cycled in Italy years ago. What really lit me up was when I had a clear lane and a driver over taking on the opposite side (oncoming) would run me off the road. I ran into similar, but not quite as bad, in turkey. Be safe and breathe.
Totally understand your feelings. I’ve been there too (very close passes) and it’s so tough mentally to be afraid about your safety during a significant ride. You’re right to be disappointed, angry and sad. Don’t feel sorry to share; your feelings are legitimated.
So sorry you had such a bad day😢
It is totally understandable and you don't have to feel bad about sharing your feelings, your honest is also your bravery.
It is totally understandable I have had a number of near misses and on in Spain when I was descending and nearly got hit by the side of a car had an immediate and lasting mental effect where I was totally unsure about every descent and bend after that, just scared of what may come next and it is so mentally taxing and the same happened when I had a close pass where the drivers wing mirror hit my handlebars. It does shake you up.
Take care, and you made the right decision to cut it short and have a relatively car free day to come.
Thanks for sharing.
Hang in there miss Katie. When you finally finish your epic adventure, you'll look back and say, it wasn't that bad. I rode on the Trans-Canada highway this past spring. And I found that almost every car and big truck that went past me gave me room, even when I was riding on a wide shoulder. But there were 2 incidents, 1. a driver pulled up beside me and yelled at me and 2. A driver pulled up very close and laid on his horn!! What neither of them realized was that they could be charged for that! What have I done? I bought a Garmin Varia with radar activated camera!
Keep moving forward. I know that it can be nerve-wracking, but these things can also build strength. Let it change you for the positive. Whenever I see a cyclist, if I am able, I beep my horn when I am 100 meters back to let him/her know that I am approaching. Also, I am glad that you are a vegan, so am I. When you say you love the sheepies, I know that you really do! I watched a series of a young couple traversing Italy and the UK. Twice this young woman ate chicken. Then when they got back to the UK they came across a young deer caught in a fence and 'crying' for help. This young woman burst into tears because, 'she couldn't stand to see an animal suffer'!
Kate - crying is actually a healing experience. Me? I've been hit so many g-ded times that I've realized that it's not the actual 'hit' that hurts you (and I've been 'lucky') it's the trauma of your memories. Bill O'
So glad you choose to share the reality of your experiences, so sad that it was necessary.
I mostly ride solo and have front rear cameras amd a small glasses mounted mirror. It doesn't prevent anything but the mirror helps anticipate what's going behind, the cameras post incident review & reporting if that is needed.
So sorry to see your experiences Katie. I fell in love with the Dolomites when I went last year and I can't wait to go back. Hopefully tomorrow will be much better when the Sella Ronda route is closed to cars
It really sucks when you get the jitters because a driver chooses not to be considerate. I can turn a great ride into a nightmare. Thank you for pointing this out...happens to me all the time and I never get used to it.
So sorry it’s been a rubbish experience. My sister has lived in Italy for many years and she confirms that the lack of respect for cyclists is an appalling national feature. Stay safe, Katie, the world needs you.
I think the majority of your viewers appreciates your honesty very much, I certainly do.