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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@ChrisO Thanks...thought that article was spot on.
I definitely notice that the more I ride the less I drink and by extension the less likely I am to smoke. Fighting for time on the bike is always a struggle, but its so worth it.
@Cyclops
there has been many an awesome story in this article, and some very touching stories, but this is the cake.
you can fake your way through life and no one may ever know. seriously. when you're on a bicycle, you cant fake a single moment. hurts like hell? we know. gave it 200% for the town line? we know. sat on the back to guide the new guys or because you had bad legs that day? we know.
im sure im interpreting david's fine words incorrectly, but cycling keeps you honest. it keeps you a man of your word. it puts you in the company of people who still believe a handshake means something.
There are no weekend cyclists, because you can't be fit enough to be a cyclist if you only ride the weekends, and unfit people on bikes aren't cyclists, merely bike riders. (Ok there are probably some exceptions to that, but I'm pretty sure they are all for people who have previously been cyclists)
There's a difference between addiction and passion though. Passion can overcome addiction.
@Spun Up
Chapeau.
@Spun Up
@thekeepers. There are many inspiring tales here but this one kind of captures it all for me. I know you run this site part fun, part monkey on your back providing a forum for all of us of varying degrees of ability and commitment, but the shared love of the bike is what ties us together and if you ever want a validation that every day this makes a difference in people's lives....it sits here in this article and its responses.
thankyou.....VLVV
@all
Thanks for the great posts and stories, everyone has a unique tale to tell, but the sense of community really comes through.
@Bianchi Denti
Cheers mate, we have a pretty cool little group of friends here, and I'm privileged to be a part of it.
@minion
Mate, you made me chuckle recalling that story! If I remember correctly, I blamed the faux pas on one of Illingworth's triathlete mates. It only makes sense. Glad to have been of assistance.
That thing on my head (I can almost hear you saying "thet thung on yer hid") is/was the Lazer Ronde helmet cover, only worn once, on the KT12 Flanders ride. I was taking it back this year to get The Lion to sign it, but it's still out there in the ether with the rest of my luggage.
What is it with 'addicts' that they always find an outlet for their needy, self regarding drivel?
They find a seemingly innocent event/sport/charity, attach themselves to it and then spend the rest of their time boring other participants with their thoroughly unsinspiring stories of downfall and subsequent redemption.
Look I don't want to come across as overly hard here, but I'm sure there are a number of Rule infractions being committed.
My advice ; enjoy your cycling, the benefits it brings in terms of your health (both mental and physiscal), the comrades you meeet but FFS stop your self-serving whining and posturing.
This article. The responses @soleur, @ElHardeen, @gregorio, @spunup. Have genuinely moved me.
I've long ago given up my addicitons for my family. I consider myself fortunate for being able to do so. i found my cycling passion (I mean really found it) about 4 years ago. Family keeps me from my bike as much as I would like to ride it, though they understand and try to give me as much time as they can spare.
After 30 years in it's a career path I no longer have passion for, for a company that whilst being nice people, are going nowhere. Nor am I. Last year I tried another company, and like @gregorio, had my ass handed to me by my "saviours". Fortunately I have managed to come out of it more unscathed than @gregorio. I feel for ya man.
My VMH saw it before I did. The answer. The path. The life.
Tomorrow we sign on the line and start the countdown to a new lfe.
We are buying a bike shop.
I love that woman.
@Sandy154 I hope I am interpreting our post correctly. You are so far off the mark with your comment that it is offensive.