General Cycling Discussion - Cigarrettes

The Cell Phone thread got me thinking about something I see all too often around here. People either riding with a cigarette hanging from their lips, or with one hand holding the *** (brit slang) and the other steering.
Is it just me or do these 2 things just not seem to go together? Does anyone one this board smoke while riding?

I did hear about one person who only smoked whilst cycling. Some kind of warped logic about the cycling 'balancing' the unhealthy smoking.

Don't ask me, I don't get it!

Ellie

It's called 'addiction.' Most of the smokers I know wish they didn't, so I just look on these people with pity and compassion...as long as I don't have to breathe their exhaust.

Did you notice the new anti-smoking advertising is all aimed at non-smokers, urging them to rebel against second-hand smoke? I wonder when they gave up on influencing the actual smokers themselves....

smoking is the result of an obsessive compulsive disease state. what is more obsessive and compulsive than inhaling hot smoke that will kill you?!

Originally posted by RiPHRaPH
smoking is the result of an obsessive compulsive disease state. what is more obsessive and compulsive than inhaling hot smoke that will kill you?!
While I don't agree with or condone smoking I have to disagree
with the statement that is a obsessive/compulsive disorder.
Had you said its the result of an Addictive Personality Disorder,
or secondary to some other diagnosis I would agree fully.
According to DSM-IV it falls more into the catagory of
Nicotene Dependance, than addictive personality.

Marty

I was riding with two people just yesterday that both lit up immediatley after our ride. I too feel bad for them. It's been 4 years now that I have been smoke free! :D I know how hard it is to quit. - However I have never seen anyone smoking and riding.

Here in Montreal, where people smoke a lot, you see that all the time! Mostly old geezers or middle aged types or young kids, who smoke while riding. or stop and smoke. But I have yet to see a serious cyclist smoking before or after riding! When I see someone doing that I think ,"gee that's HEALTHY." I used to be a smoker, so I sympathize with how addictive it is, but it sort of defeats the purpose. I see people sometimes at the gym who come in reeking of smoke and I wonder, whow can you get any decent workout after puffing away? However, i refuse to be one of those sanctimonious types who goes on about the evils of smoking!

I saw this for the first time Yesterday, It was a younger guy on a roadbike and I saw him up ahead, I also saw a small cloud of smoke around him so I was a little puzzled since we was stopped in the middle oh the Bike Path. When I passed by I smelled the Cigarrette smoke and he just looked at me. And to top it off he wasn't wearing a helmet Either. :confused:

The type of riders I see smoking and riding are usually the ones with their X-Mart drop style handlebars turned upside down, riding in jeans, and shirtless.

Although, I must say, I have seen a few people smoking at rest stops on organized invitational rides, which always blows my mind.

Ah heck, at least they are on a bike. From what I understand, riders once thought that smoking (cigarettes) boosted performance. Haven't you seen the famed Smokers (http://www.puresportsart.com/warehouse/toursmokersart.htm) poster? I don't smoke but maybe I'll try it someday ... bottle of wine in hand, *** on the lip ... tooling down the street enjoying the breeze.

Yeah.:beer:

Confession time. Though I have reduced my smoking to less than half what it was a year ago, I do occasionally light up after a ride.

I never rode and smoked (traded one addiction for another) I would think the ash and "cherry" might fly up and get you in the eye.:eek:

I would think the ash and "cherry" might fly up and get you in the eye.
That's why you wear shades.

I became a chain smoker at about age 15. It lasted until about age 30. I could be well on my way to death right now at 42 if it weren't for grace/willpower. I've got a new lease on life.

As much as I hate smoking and have no tolerance for second-hand smoke that fouls the air, I was one of those who caused it.

Smoking is so addictive that to quit without any help is almost like climbing a mountain alone--some can do it, but most will never succeed without assistance. After all, most smokers were assisted into smoking by evil influences, so it's only fair they should get help to kick the evil habit.

The second-to-last time I quit smoking, lights were unbearable, noises were sharp and extreme, and my emotions were like road rash--even nice experiences felt like rinsing an abrasion with warm water.

I blame tobacco companies. They run these stupid ads about teenagers making smart choices ("My mom's words were with me so I didn't smoke with my friends!"--which has a grain of truth, but hides the main problem) while they spend their money and time figuring out how to keep people addicted as long as possible. Hey, I know! Come up with an addictive nicotine that doesn't shorten your life! Then people who use it will live longer and spend their money longer! Why kill off your customers! :thumbup:

Tobacco companies can go into a herd of pigs, for all I care!

Originally posted by Jeepbikerun
I was riding with two people just yesterday that both lit up immediatley after our ride. I too feel bad for them. It's been 4 years now that I have been smoke free! :D I know how hard it is to quit. - However I have never seen anyone smoking and riding.

There's a guy in my local club that smokes. I saw him just last saturday after a 42 mile ride smoking. We used to have a couple of other people in the club that smoked and rode but they've since quit riding.

Denmark has the highest female smoking population in the EU (per capita of course) , a statistic that I am not proud of. A lot of people blame our queen. The queen, yes we are a constitutional monarchy, smokes in public and during televison interviews. She can also sometimes been seen cycling in the grounds of her residence, with a smoke in her mouth!! Incredible !!
Lastly, a little history lesson, Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world.

The only people I have seen smoking while riding are University students, ironically the are probably riding as a form of activism against cars and multi-national fuel companies, while supporting multi-national cigarette companies.:confused:

CHEERS.

Mark

Ive seen plenty of older guys, serious bike riders who can do long tours and climb big mountains, stop for a rollup ciggie after an hour or 2. It makes no difference to me, and I really dont have an opinion on their habits.

Originally posted by MichaelW
Ive seen plenty of older guys, serious bike riders who can do long tours and climb big mountains, stop for a rollup ciggie after an hour or 2. It makes no difference to me, and I really dont have an opinion on their habits.

That's pretty much my stance on things. If someone wants to smoke, let them, as long as it doesn't interfere with the breathing of non-smokers. California has laws about this that make quite a bit of sense; all restaurants are totally smoke-free, as are most establishments, but smoking "facilities" are usually provided outside, and most bars that I've been to have a patio and/or outdoor section for smokers.

That being said, I'm a mostly-ex smoker -- namely, every once in a while, I'll have a cigarette (almost always a Nat) or a cigar. I've never really smoked more than that, either -- never had the need to go outside for a smoke, or had to search the couch for change because I was fiending for nicotine. Smoking is, for me at least, strictly a social phenomenon.

What I don't understand is my lack-of-addiction. I mean, I can smoke a half-pack a day for two weeks (did this a few years ago, before I started cycling, during a period of bad depression), and then go six months without even thinking of lighting up.

I still have the occasional smoke, but only if I'm not riding the next day. But it's really just an occasional thing. I have no desire to get hooked again but I am sure I never will. I agree, quitting is just horrible, but once you're past it, it really isn't that bad. However, you do feel physically rotten for a time. The only times I can think of feeling worse were having a bad flu, and when I woke up after having surgery. Still, I have to say that I do miss the relaxing aspects of lighting up. If smoking wasn't bad for you, if it didn't cause any health problems or affect your lung capacity, I'd probably smoke again today!

I smoke about half as often as I go out for drinks, which is maybe once a week. sometimes more, sometimes less. however, I'm pretty conscious of the decision to do it, and I know I'll pay for it later.

these days I think of it in terms of what I'm willing to give up for the immediate "gratification" of smoking. and you know, I've been smoking knowing full well that besides the aerobic impact, two of the last three women with whom I was involved hated it! really hated it. that's a pretty good brake on things, now that I mention it ...

as far as the addictive qualities, I think some attention needs to be paid to all the possible alternate explanations for the addiction; this is a major beef I have with ALL studies. for every idiotic news story about a study associating some behavior with some impact or benefit, there's millions of other possible causal factors. for instance, does a glass of wine a day prolong life in some substantive physiological way? or is it that the kinds of people who take the time to have a single relaxing glass of wine are also the kind of people who are laid-back (low BP), have the means to do so (i.e. probably also have decent medical care) etc etc etc?

in this context, I'm not convinced that addiction to smoking is so clearly cut a physiological issue. all I'm saying is, if the addiction is also psychological (which I don't think anyone would deny), then I don't think cigarettes can be so easily dismissed as evil by themselves. they're a vice, a destructive one certainly, but a rare one now and then isn't the end of the world.

those addicted to cigarettes should be asking what circumstances in their life lead them to make the choice to pick one up in the first place.

anyway, I've never craved a cigarette except in social situations, although the most I ever smoked was about a pack a day for a year -- far from the worst story out there. it's a strong association with the general fun of being out and about, I think.

/quasi-rant.

--alex.

I have smoked between 1/2 and 1 pack a day for about 15 years now. I quit smoking a week ago and other than the problem of what to do with my hands when I'm on the phone or having a beer, I don't have any physical withdrawal. I do miss it and I've always like the taste of a good camel.

But now I'm in health mode. I've been riding again for the last year and really enjoying it. I do admit that after a ride I would get home and fire up a smoke. Kind of defeats the purpose. Not smoking makes me feel so much better. Sure the riding doesn't hurt either.

"I don't smoke cigarettes, I don't see the point.
If you're going to smoke something it might as well be a ....."

Originally posted by lotek

While I don't agree with or condone smoking I have to disagree
with the statement that is a obsessive/compulsive disorder.
Had you said its the result of an Addictive Personality Disorder,
or secondary to some other diagnosis I would agree fully.
According to DSM-IV it falls more into the catagory of
Nicotene Dependance, than addictive personality.

Marty

an addictive personality can take many forms. some people who bike to excess (where it takes from your family or other personal obligations) can be disruptive as well.
the stop smoking programs that trade the inhalation of nicotine for that of a patch or gum just doesn't work. (if you could wean yourself off of smoking that way then you should be able to just smoke 1 or 2 less cig's a week till.....) -

that is why the most effective way to quit is the Zyban or wellbutrin SR method. This Rx medication was originally designed to help people with depression and OCD's (obsessive-compulsive disorders) --> Not only can this method work for smokers but for any repetitive action (rocking, tapping, cleaning)

When Vicodin is used responsibly and taken only as prescribed it does a wonderful job of controlling pain. Yes it is a legand drug that does have addiction potential, but it only becomes a problem when taken by a person who has an addictive personality. If there is such a thing as smoking responsibly (after meals, to relax) rather than reaching for one out of habit.....

Addictive personality disorder is another of the new 'explaining away my bad decision-making skills' and not taking FREAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ONES ACTIONS <oh....i just can't help myself>

I see people continue to smoke even after they can hardly breathe. I see public aid recipients, after years of smoking have the state pay for their transgressions.

Every time you inhale smoke from a cig you aren't getting much oxygen. multiply that by X amount of drags a day....a week....a month....a year......

repeated actions that will kill you in my book is a compulsion. if the only way to quicken one's pulse rate and get a rush is to smoke then that is one thing....but you can get a similar rush from yoga, riding a bicycle, etc. if you've ever seen a smoker smoke down to the filter, have their special lighter, their special chair, their special coffee cup, will stand outside in 2 degree weather, will rather be banned from the grandchildren if they continue to smoke....and choose smoking, dude....that's an obsession in my book as well. in an addiction i'd expect to see smokers picking up cig butts and collecting them and rolling their own....there is a fine line here i suppose...

i will agree that the cig co's did their part to make it attractive and sexy to smoke and put additives in the cig's to make it addicting.....but even as far back as the 50's --> did people think that inhaling hot smoke was good for you? there are a lot of weak minded people out there. and to be so called 'addicted' to an inanimate object as destructive as the cig has got to be about the lamest excuse for cutting short one's life as i can think of.

why don't they just attach a tube to the exhaust of a city bus and inhale all the toxins and carbon monoxide in one sitting to be more efficient and get on with their day?!

RiphRaph,

After working in psychiatry for 16 plus years doing
psychiatric evaluations in emergency rooms I get pretty
specific about diagnostic terms being thrown around
haphazzardly. I don't disagree with what your saying
only the semantics.
No, I don't think "addictive personality" is an excuse for
behaviour, only a label defining the potential for someone
to become addicted.
Why do some people with legitimate reasons take opiates
(codiene, Vicodan, Percodan etc.) for extended periods
of time and not become addicted when others become
addicted after a few weeks use? If I could figure that one
out I'd be rich (or world famous).
I also truely believe that we are all responsible for our actions
and for each of those actions there are consequences
(either good or bad) which we have to face.
I could go on endlessly but . . .

Marty

I saw an article recently on a study that determined that living a couch potato lifestyle was actually worse for your health than being a smoker. Who knows how accurate it is but at least the smoker/cyclist isn't combining two deadly habits. Also, consider that these guys are trying to quit. What better incentive to stop than the promise of better endurance while riding. They may be using cycling as a replacement addiction and just having trouble making the cold turkey transition. It's probably easier to encourage cycling than to discourage smoking.

There are just as many health risks associated with being overweight or obese or being a couch potato as there are with smoking. Lung cancer aside of course. But there was a study done for a medical journal, can't remember which, that showed how there are even more health risks associated with weight than with smoking. Yes, smoking causes certain types of cancer, but being overweight or obese can cause heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, respiratory illnesses, pregnancy problems, stroke, and gout. And the health care costs associated with weight are even more than those of smoking, especially now that smoking is on in decrease but weight problems are on the increase. That's why I always find it hypocritical when people go on about how awful smoking is but they are 40 lbs overweight, never execise and subsist on junk food. In fact, even when I used to smoke I was actually in better shape than most- I went to the gym, I cycled (not as much) I was active and I could run up the stairs like an antelope. I admit my lung capacity is probably a lot better now. But I agree- it's odd that we see articles like the ones in the summer about how cycling is so dumb and cyclists really aren't athletes. RIght, let's discourage people from getting out in front of the tv set. Like ther aren't enough kids turning into porky rug rats who play video games all day!

i suppose you can't legislate healthy lifestyle any more than you can legislate morality.

I used to smoke on rides.

I quit smoking 2 years ago. Haven't noticed any improvement in my riding, except the weight gain.

One of my favorite TdF pics is an old black and white photo of old pros sharing a smoke, they are all dirty and grimey, with smiles, and lit cigs in thier hands. A classic!

Sometimes it's hard to believe the nonsense being chucked about by smoking advocates!

The fact that a couch potato has a huge potential to developing heart disease, diabetes etc. DOES NOT MEAN THAT SMOKING IS NOT A KILLER OCCUPATION!

And photos of TdF cyclists 80 years ago smoking is not an argument.

Remember that in those times TB was rampant...

Let's get back to normal.

Smoking is bad, obesity is bad.

I think we all know smoking is bad for you, and no one is advocating it to my knowledge. However, the point I was making earlier is that having a poor lifestyle can be just as bad for you as smoking. Smoking is not the only thing you can do that's unhealthy. The problem is that many people think it is, so they think that as long as they don't smoke they don't have to worry about premature death- even if they are overweight, live on fast food and never exercise.

I hear you wabbit, but this message is going to fall on mostly deaf ears.

For some reason, when I was a smoker, obese people were eager to point out how unhealthy smoking was, yet couldn't or wouldn't understand when I tried to point out the health problems associated with being overweight by 25 or more pounds. :rolleyes:

I wasn't advocating smoking by any means, especially being an ex smoker. I find the second hand smoke offensive, and it is an irritant when I ride up to a stop light/sign and there someone sits in their vehicle smoking and their smoke wafts my way.

But, I am not going to be an ex smoker like the exsmoking nazis I've met, the ones who'll get upset the a cigarette was lit on the next block. There is nonsense and reality. Reality is people smoke. Some are able to quit.

I was able to quit successfully through nicotine gum. I also spent a lot of time in a smoky coffee house inhaling second hand smoke. It got me through some of the rough withdrawl.

And just a note about the addictive personality, being a member of the "recovering" community. A lot of us do take responsibility for what we did while using. We are far from perfect, and some of us owe society a large debt for the damage we did, not just to ourselves. It is often a lot larger than we can pay back. I hope that in my continuing to not do the things I did when I was actively using and finding ways and means to use more, I am in some way making amends.

Today I hold a job; in the recovery field, where I can share with other, younger (in recovery) people how I do it. I pay taxes, rent and other bills. I am a part of society today. It isn't always comfortable, even after 15 years I still want to do things that not only aren't healthy, but slightly illegal as well. I have to take responsibility for those actions.

We all make excuses. I think as human beings it is just our nature. I look at my brother and myself, three years seperate us. He's married, two kids and outweighs me by 100 lbs. He eats(his kids joke that my brother's favorite food group is "itos." As in Doritos, Fritos, Cheetoes.), I smoked, drank and drugged. We both are/were killing ourselves. I have another brother who instead of picking up a drug or food, has picked up the Bible(not to open a can of worms), but this has been a way of alienating himself from us, as much as the drugs were for me, and food is for my brother. There are those of us who aren't capable of managing or mantain a life at status quo. I have worked with them for just about eleven years now. We used to warehouse them in big institutions, we didn't help them, now we are trying something different. I don't have an answer for them, I just am trying like hell not to become one of them.

I think one of the big lessons we are here to learn is to make mistakes, just not the same ones over and over.

Just my .02.

I grew up in a family of smokers. Everyone smoked, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins you name it. Funny though in all that time my immediate bothers and older sister never picked it up. You think that with all that "influence" surrounding us it would have seemed the "natural" thing to do. I credit my dad a lot for getting into our heads that even though he did it he admitted himself that he wished he had not started and he knew it was bad. He's tried to quit too, several times. I remember one time he just lost it after a couple of weeks of trying.

I always think though that it could be something around the corner for me. I mean I work with people who smoke on a regular basis and inhale thier second had smoke everyday. When I go out for the occasion beer the pub is usually rammed and people are smoking. The only difference is they have filters on thier end, I don't. When ever I get that thought though I just picture myself lighting a 10 dollar bill on fire everyday and watching it burn for the rest of my life. That usually kills an notion right there. I'm too cheap to put out that kind of money!