I have finally entered the dark side, from which, I’m sure, there IS no escape!
Over the past few months, my interest in cycling has escalated to such a degree, that I can now only describe it as a full-on obsession!
Ladies, is there any known cure for my condition? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? :confused:
I’ve gone from enjoying a pleasurable little pootle, to living and breathing cycling during every waking moment!
To make matters worse, my DH has developed the same unhealthy obsession and we now seem to be feeding one another’s’ habits!
My main areas of concern seem to be as follows:
• I am no longer able to function as a productive, enthusiastic employee, periodically checking into TE for more useful tips and banter, and gazing out of the window intermittently, bemoaning the fact I’m stuck indoors in such cycling-perfect weather!
• The lure of lycra has become unquenchable. I have re-budgeted my monthly clothing allowance to allocate 5% to normal clothing, 95% to cycling related clothing.
• I would rather have Pearl Izumi than pearls.
• I am incapable of going into a bike store without coming out with a handful of “essential items”. It has become so bad that if I don’t pay a weekly visit, the bike store call to check I’m ok.
• I have a “died and gone to heaven” euphoric feeling when powering along on my bike, and completely fail to comprehend what other people do for fun.
• I pay frequent visits to my garage, to lust after my lovely road bike and stand and admire it. Prolonged periods can pass in a semi-hypnotic state, before I realise I’ve been admiring my front mech for an embarrassing period of time.
• I have developed a nerdy passion about all things bikey – I no longer just admire the colour of someone else’s bike, I have to check out their frame, groupset, pedals, etc. The worrying thing is that I now know what an Ultegra 39/53, 12-25 set-up means.
• I begin to develop a jittery feeling if I’m not projecting forwards in a semi-prone position, with the sound of rubber running over tarmac.
• When I’m not out on my bike, with a silly big grin on my face, I’m reliving favourite rides, often they permeate my dreams and I wake up exhausted after a hard 70 mile training run throughout the night.
• My grip on reality has become cycle-specific. People are perceived to be altogether nicer if their preferred pastime is riding a bike – especially if female. Non-cyclists are viewed with amazement and disbelief.
• I become irritable, irrational and hormonal if not able to go out to play.
• I am able to rationalise my behaviour as “passionate”, rather than “addictive/obsessive”.
Unfortunately, the above list is not exhaustive, my addiction is currently escalating month-on month, as the excitement of longer daylight hours increases. :eek:
Would it be possible for any of you ladies to guide me to a 12-step program, which may be able to help me slowly address these issues?
Is there a support-group I could join to share my concerns with like-minded souls, perhaps seeking kinmanship/kinpersonship(?!) with others?
You help is gratefully welcomed and appreciated …
