Nerves before sporting events, anyone else?

[LoveBeingAMum555]

OK so I have agreed to do a charity bike ride tomorrow. The distance is a challenge but I do a fair bit of cycling and have covered the same distance before without too much trouble. I am now so nervous it's ridiculous. What if I can't finish? What if I fall off, crash or look a complete idiot?
What if I am last? Why do I feel like this and what has got into me? Does anyone else understand? Help me before I cancel.

This is really common. I have run a load of races, including 2 marathons, still get nervous beforehand. Please don't cancel. Remember all the experience you have and how much you enjoy cycling. It's a charity event, so I'm guessing not a super competitive race, it's just about taking part and raising money for a good cause. No one will be judging you and there will probably be less experienced cyclists there too. And if you come last, so what? I have been close to last a few times, it's not that bad! Focus on enjoying the event and on how you are helping the charity and try to have fun. You will probably be fine once you start. Good luck!

If you crash/fall off, someone will pick you up and the event will have a number to call for first aid or mechanical help. If you can't finish, you can call to be picked up. If you are last, you get the biggest cheer.
You won't look like an idiot unless you are a) rude b) ride like an idiot (weave over the road, stop suddenly with no warning, walk up hills in the middle of the road).

You'll be fine, but it is very normal to feel like this

Thank you both so much, it really helps to know this is normal. Have got my bike ready, got my kit packed and now off to bed. Still nervous but no way I am quitting. I just keep telling myself I won't be the only one feeling like this!

I get this too, even for distances and events that I have done many times, even when we go as a group of friends and say we will take it easy and just have a laugh.

Good luck tomorrow, I always find as soon as it starts the nerves disappear.

All the time. It’s common in sports.

I'm a runner, not a cyclist, but I'd say this is totally normal (or at least common) and, much as it occupies your brain in the run up to an event, it evaporates entirely on race day.

Unlike the urge to go the loo repeatedly just before the start. Which might well be entirely psychosomatic, but at least it gives you something to do in the last 40 mins or so