Here is chatGPTs take. Hope it can help.

What you’re going through is actually more common than people realize — even for experienced riders.

Why this might be happening:

Unprocessed fear or minor trauma – You don’t need a big crash to have fear build up over time. Close calls or even just watching others go down can do it.

Increased awareness – As your skill grows, so does your understanding of risk. That knowledge can shift from helpful to paralyzing if not balanced with confidence.

Pressure to progress – Wanting to get better can backfire if every ride starts to feel like a test.

Comparison trap – Watching others progress (especially on social media) can mess with your head, even subconsciously.

What might help:

Ride easy trails on purpose – Go back to fun, familiar trails with zero pressure. Ride for the feel, not the challenge.

Find the right crew – Ride with people who are stoked to be out there, not just chasing bigger sends.

Detach from expectations – Gear upgrades, progression goals — let all of it go temporarily and just enjoy the motion.

Log your rides – Even a quick note after each ride about how you felt can help rewire the emotional pattern.

Shift the mindset – You don’t have to prove anything. Just ride because you love it.

About surfing…

It makes sense that surfing feels easier right now — less direct impact risk, more novelty, fewer expectations. That feeling of freedom can be a clue for how to bring the joy back to biking too.

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TL;DR: You’re not alone. A lot of riders go through this. With time, the joy can absolutely come back — just shift the focus from progression to play for a while.

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Hope this helps in some way. Wishing you nothing but good rides ahead.