So, I hate taking more than one day off from riding. All of my experience with sports that require a lot of skill tells me that it takes consistency to maintain skill and advance. I feel like this is particularly true when one (that one being me) is a noob and needs the consistency to also maintain confidence. Since I started riding a little over one month ago almost every week I've had to take at least 3 days off (conference, wedding,etc.). Then I would ride for 4 days straight. What typically happens with me during these 4 days is that I take the first two days to feel relatively comfortable riding again and the last two days to further develop my skills. AND... I know that part of developing your riding skills is confidence in your riding abilities. Wow, I so know this... As soon as I feel comfortable again, I ride my bike really well. Confidence is so key. Every now and then, if I get left at a light (I ride with my husband), I sometimes stall the bike once and then take off fine. I don't stall unless I get "nervous" about something; usually starting from a stop on a hill -y'all who ride *know* what I mean. Case in point, at a stop light the hubby pointed out how well I was riding at the end of a 100+ mile ride the other day and what a perfect day of riding it was...when...stall. sigh... no big deal... I just started her back up and off we went... but still soo aggravating. So, here I lay in bed because I'm sick. :\ Yet, another break after a four day streak of good days. argh... hopefully, hopefully, I can get back to riding this time without so much static in the brain.