Addiction is typically defined as a bad thing. Addiction to drugs, to alcohol, sex or even work is usually portrayed as a condition to be battled, to overcome. The same sources may recommend a strict regime of regular exercise and healthy living as the perfect antidote to the bad addictions that befall an overwhelming majority of the general populace. We are convinced that an ‘exercise addict’, ‘gym junkie’ or ‘health nut’ is a tag that we should be proud to hang around our necks, not something to be fought. But take away the words ‘exercise’, ‘gym’ and ‘health’, and all you’re left with is an undesirable character of questionable sanity with bad skin and rotten teeth. And no-one wants to be that person.
I’ve known, and know, a lot of people with a lot of addictions during my life. Moreso, I’ve been/am one myself. Both good and bad. The one unifying addiction throughout has been Cycling. It seems Cyclists are of the predisposition that doing something, anything, is best done to excess. I don’t really have any Cycling friends who ‘just do it on the weekends’, as one might play golf or go to the movies or ballroom dancing. Ok, those ballroom dancers seem to be a bit obsessed, too. But Cyclists, no matter how hard they try to kick the habit just seem to keep coming back, over and over again. And I’ve never heard a doctor or so-called expert tell a Cyclist to give that shit up before it sends them to an early grave. So what we’ve got ourselves is a ‘good addiction’.
Long before I ever read the tale of Guns n Roses’ bassist Duff McKagan’s pancreas exploding and his subsequent absolution through mountain biking (in BIKE magazine sometime in the 90s), I’d been fighting my own demons, and using the bike to help conquer them. Still am. Being a hard-drinking/drugging bassist (then later a DJ) and mountain biker myself at the time, I drew a lot of comparisons between us. I took some inspiration from his story, despite not being a fan of the band, and used it to tip the balance in favour of riding rather than partying.
I’d also been surrounded by a lot of other Cyclists who had delved a lot further into the sport than I ever had, and who had their own personal battles to fight. Some were up against alcoholism, others drugs, depression, or failed relationships. And on more than a few occasions, I heard the term “saved by the bike” quoted. Among all the turmoil, in the maelstrom of a life gone awry, their constant saving grace, the rock on which they could rebuild a solid foundation for happiness, or at least some form of normality – contentment, perhaps – was the bicycle. It was always there for them, silent, trustworthy, reliable, even if many other aspects of their situation weren’t. I wouldn’t hesitate to wager that it still is there for most, if not all of them. I know it is for me, and always will be.
Whenever I need saving, I know where to look.
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Wow, cheers to all who shared stories. You are all quite inspiring and frankly, I'm proud to be a member of this community. I'm still battling my demons daily. And at the risk of offending Sandy (I'm kidding) I want to encourage all of you to keep telling your stories. They are valuable and empowering.
I find myself planning my next fix within hours of coming back from a ride.
Truly wonderful to read all these stories and the catalyst for all of them being shared, Brett's article. I too am a proud member of this community and recently quit smoking for several reasons. Firstly, I'm gonna be a dad in November and secondly, because I climb like Sisyphus. It's three weeks since I quit and last week as my cycling buddy followed me up a climb near St Andrews, his HRM alarm went off for the first time ever. He thinks he was ill or something but I think that I laid down some V for the first time in my life. Sweet vie velominatus, and thanks to you all for sharing.
@snoov
Looking forward to a good view of you back wheel on Saturday then
One of my favorite articles on this site. Well done, Brett.
-Dinan
All right, I am going right out and ask, I have been in southern California for 6 months and have been riding solo up and down the mountains here. I am gonna come out and ask right now, I would not mind a riding partner now and then! I don't know anyone down here and I am a slow and antisocial jerk.
These excellent articles and threads continue to move me, make me laugh and make me think.
I have been cycling for a year, and now here I am 17 kilos (2.77 stone, 38 lbs) lighter and finally aware of in what a gorgeous part of the earth I live. Addicted? Fuck, yes! Addicted to living a happy life until my legs fail me.
@anthony sands "slow and antisocial" sounds good, so I'd be in if it weren't for those bloody 5600 miles between us.
At the risk of being the 2nd most unpopular poster in this thread I can see what Sandy is saying as often addiction comes about as a result of the choices we make ourselves rather than them being inflicted upon us. I dabbled in various substances that many become addicted to in my youth but made a choice that whilst the high was great I understood the risk of repeated consumption so refrained.
I get that others dont have that restraint and watched friends end their lives far too early because they were unable to stop themselves despite help from me and others.
If speaking about these issues within this site helps people deal with their issues and they benefit from the support then I am all for it and say good luck to you all, life is too short so try not to shorten it any further. I cycle because I love it and many would say I am obsessed with it but it keeps me fit and is my "me time" away from the 9-5.
Sandy if you dont like what people have said just move along and say nothing, you haven't made any positive contribution to this thread. Everyone else just ignore Sandy, by responding he gets what he wanted which is a reaction to his little strop.
Interesting article. I'm trying my damnedest to get addicted to cycling. Catch 22 though. If I ditch work I won't have any money to buy cycling gear but work gets in the way of using the cycling gear.
I suppose I can take crack AND go to work...
@Deakus
Hadn't seen that in forever, thank you. The Deschutes: gorgeous, cruel, fragile, snake-fanged, sweet, and harsh:
We put in ten-hour days away from camp, to avoid getting skunked. The river was being a bastard fish nazi this trip. Some days we saw more rattlesnakes than trout. But I still love it.