Bike Confidence Waning

You can think about it like this:

I was going downhill (which scares me) and I flatted (which scares me) all at the same time.  So I have 2 bad experiences at the same time and learned that I have the control to handle them both.  You learned something and hopefully that will add confidence.  Just a thought.

X2, no one says you have to go fast downhill.  You aren't a pro getting paid for this, and you'd like to go home to your family after the ride.  Ride at whatever speed makes you comfortable, and if you never get faster downhill, so what?   You should be enjoying this, not be scared of it

Just my .02

Eh, I'm all about riding my brakes on the down hills.

I don't feel secure going fast on those tiny tires.

My fastest has been 39 mph... and I saw that and I lightly fluttered the brakes. That was my limit.

I completely relate I have only been riding for 6 weeks and I have not hit thirty yet. I am still waiting to feel "one with the bike"  I hope it is like skiing, I used to be scared of speed on my skis, now I look for the steeps. 

Fastest I have been has been 39 also - on dirt, with big knobbies.  I'd rather cement and skinny tires.

What kind of bike?  How long have you been riding it? 

My old bike was way to jittery at speed,  new bike is confidence inspiring, it will probably get me in trouble.

The best way to overcome fear is to look it in the face.

Assuming you know the reason, or the probable reason, for things happening (like a flat tire), at least you know what to look out for. I mean, if you are afraid of getting a flat tire, just practice changing your tire at home when you have free time.

I know this isn't the same, but one night I was pumping up my tires for the next day's ride. While I was doing this, one of my tubes popped. If this has ever happened to you, you know that the sound can be deafening, and can really freak you out. I was really nervous about changing the tire again because I was afraid it was going to do it again, and I cringed on every push of the pump. Even a few weeks after that happened, I was still cringing a bit - but I soon got over it.

My point is, the more you override the memory of your bad experience, the easier it is to get over your fear.

As for riding fast though, that might be something that you need to get used to gradually.

Use your brakes if you are scared of going too fast. I usually do this when the roads are wet, I mean what use is an extra couple of km/miles faster if you are in the ditch or all over the road when you crash. If you don't enjoy screaming down hills, don't do it.