General Cycling Discussion - Philosophical Question - To Ride or Not?

Remember, this is philosophical and contrary to actuality but here goes:

Suppose you were diagnosed with a rare disorder and your life expectancy was only one (1) year, but if you gave up cycling your life expectancy went up to two (2) years. Would you ride your bike for the one year or give it up and live cycle-free for two?

I enjoy cycling tremendously, just ask my wife. I think about this sport and lifestyle constantly when my mind isn't occupied with work or family. I try to ride everyday. If I'm not riding I'm working on or cleaning my bikes. But, I would give it up instantly to spend more time with my wife and my son!

Now to take this a step further, If I had to give up everything about cycling, i.e. reading magazines, working on bikes, watching videos, THIS FORUM,..etc.

I don't know if I could do it. I could try, but I'm literally addicted to cycling. I would probably go crazy during those 2 years. Heck, my wife would probably put me out of my misery (and hers too!) if I couldn't have anything to do with cycling.

What would you do?

Personally, I'd ride for the year. To deny myself the happiness and contentment that riding provides, would turn me into a despicable ogre that family and friends would soon grow tired of and they'd make every effort to hasten my departure. (I'd probably help them.)

What good would an extra year of misery provide?

There's an old saw that says: Quality is better than quantity.
Or something like that. Give your loved ones a year of your best, not two years of your worst.

Philosophically speaking, I'd ride like hell for the full year in as many places on earth as possible. There is no set budget right?

I'd take at least 2-3 months and do a self-supported bike trip across the U.S. West to East. Then off to Europe and ride part of the routes of the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. Then to the far east and ride Thailand and down to the land of OZ and NZ. What a year I'd have as long as my health held out.

Interesting idea, but let's hope that such a scenario wouldn't come to pass except for the bike trips part that is:)

I would ride myslef to death! I'd be happy for that one year and then I'd get to go see my creator sooner!!;)

To deny myself the happiness and contentment that riding provides, would turn me into a despicable ogre

I agree. Both my wife and I notice a downturn in my mental state if I go longer than a month between rides as it is.

a2psyklnut, you are a twisted indivigual for dreaming this up. It reminds me of the time my wife asked me "if I'd love her forever" and the lively debate that followed. Took about six months for that to subside.

Seeing my family would take priority over the bike.

If I was a single guy, I'd consider a tour as described above, but that's what I'd be doing if I was single and healthy.

There are a bunch of loopholes here. Mabey I'd sell the bikes, hang with the family, and take up running again. I think the knees have a couple of years left in em. ;)

Originally posted by ljbike
There's an old saw that says: Quality is better than quantity.
Or something like that. Give your loved ones a year of your best, not two years of your worst.

This describes very well my thoughts, but i also like the idea of touring with some good friends and familly.
I don`t think i would be happy giving up cycling and do nothing for two years.

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Remember, this is philosophical and contrary to actuality but here goes:

Suppose you were diagnosed with a rare disorder and your life expectancy was only one (1) year, but if you gave up cycling your life expectancy went up to two (2) years. Would you ride your bike for the one year or give it up and live cycle-free for two?


I'd ride for the year. No question about it. A few years ago I had a bike stolen and didn't have the money to replace it for 18 months. Try as I did, I simply couldn't get the "I wish I could ride" feeling out of my head. I'd rather be happy for a year than spend two years wishing I was happy.

I think I'd ride for five or six years and see if my doctor became interested in cycling by the end of that time.... :D

Find a new Dr and quit worrying.
"Hell I know more old drunks than old Docs" A line fom some movie/TV horse opra from the '50s
Joe
:beer:

First, I would quit my job because of the little time left. That would free up alot of time to spend with my family.

Second, I would take my family on a killer, year long cross country bike trip. That way I could bike and be with the ones I love. You may 'die' earlier that way, but the memory of you in your wife and childrens' hearts will always survive in the shawdow of that trip.

You can then wait patiently on the other side of life for your family to arrive... happy and with no regrets. :angel:

-Manderax

I ride. I fall down. I get up.
Meanwhile, I keep dancing.

Originally posted by fubar5
I would ride myslef to death!
;)

This is getting interesting...

"Abicyclenut", this is not a fair question at all.

Let me ask you one: would you give up sex for the bike?

:D

(Don't say you have, I've been there...)

Originally posted by Pete Clark

(Don't say you have, I've been there...)

I'm there right now, although not necessarily through choice.

Hmmm... sex or bike. On this one, I s'pose I'd have to go with sex. Sorry folks.

Originally posted by Chris L
I'm there right now [re: giving up sex for the bike], although not necessarily through choice.
Chris! Exactly what I mean!

;)

When you're married and this happens, the bike looks better and better...

:cry:

I be RIDIN' MAN!!!!!


RIDE THAT'S IT!
Pat

Well Pete, what can I say! Twice in the the last year:cry: :cry: :cry:

So yes, the bike does look better at the time!

To further the philosophical debate!

If an angel (or preferred deity or talisman) appeared before you and stated, "You have one day left, but you can't tell anyone!" What do you do?

I'd pack up my wife, the boy, the dog, my in-laws (including bro-in-law) and drive to the trails and spend the day with them. We would set-up camp at the truck. Leave my son and my mum-in-law and go for a mountain bike ride. Come back to the truck, play with my son and watch him laugh and play. Go for another ride (with the boy this time on an easier trail), come back, eat, then go for a hardcore night ride! Load Up and drive home, go to sleep and meet my maker!

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Remember, this is philosophical and contrary to actuality but here goes:

Suppose you were diagnosed with a rare disorder and your life expectancy was only one (1) year, but if you gave up cycling your life expectancy went up to two (2) years. Would you ride your bike for the one year or give it up and live cycle-free for two?


My own dilemna is similar. Suppose you are afflicted by a begign afflication of the wrist areas. Your doctors tells you that if you get off the sadle for a month or two you may heal, otherwise the afflication may get serious and you may never cycle again.

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
If an angel (or preferred deity or talisman) appeared before you and stated, "You have one day left, but you can't tell anyone!" What do you do?

What if you did tell someone? I mean, one day is hardly going to make much difference anyway. Me, I'd start riding and just keep going.

Originally posted by PapeteeBooh
My own dilemna is similar. Suppose you are afflicted by a begign afflication of the wrist areas. Your doctors tells you that if you get off the sadle for a month or two you may heal, otherwise the afflication may get serious and you may never cycle again.
PB,

This one is simple:

Whatever you have to do to keep that body in good shape to ride, that's what you must do, even if it means taking a month off.

Once, I took about six weeks off. I don't remember why, but I know that I was really burned out from riding too far for my own
abilities.

Hey, what does it hurt to take two months off when you have the rest of your life to ride, man? :)

(Find out more, PB. Don't let those bad wrists keep you off the bike too long! :) )

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
"You have one day left, but you can't tell anyone!" What do you do?
I'd probably spend the whole day thinking about it...