Cornish_Rdr_UK

Ok, so we've discussed Physical Changes from mountain biking, so i was thinking while out riding today, what has mountain biking down for your mentality?

I think it's an interesting subject, for me, its a stress reliever, and since ive been doing it, ive learnt to appreciate my body, my mind, and the time i have on this earth. ive learnt to take the bad with the good when things are going bad they always get better..

For example, 2 years ago, i was on the way for a ride, and blew my tyre on a corner, i went APE jumping around, screaming at myself, my mates and my bike, then had to pusdh the WHOLE quarter of a mile hoe, looking back on it, i dont know what happened..

But, today, i was halfway through a ride, when my crank arm nackered and fell off, i didnt do anything I just picked it up and walked the 5 miles back to my house. When i got home, ui realised how much my mentality about taking things in my stride has changed, and to be honest, i was amazed...

But its not just for me my Brother is the same, he's always been a little terror, and sometimes i think he should be locked up, but when he's out on his bike, with me, he's completely different, and usually after a ride and for about a week after he's really happy...

So let us know how its changed you, and if it hasnt, let us know that aswell!

a2psyklnut

I've been riding for so long there are way too many changes. Like puberty, college, work, marriage, divorce.....etc.

Cycling has been a part of every part of my life.

At one point I was going to make it my career, an open a shop.

.:MTB:.

It's a great way to let off stress and get my mind off things. It's also proven the saying "Easier said than done" to me many times over.

sarsparilla

It's brought out some confidence in myself that I didn't have before. I'm not even embarassed to go around in my lycra shorts and jersey and show off my figure (or lack there of ... I'm a twig).

It's also helped with my temper, like you said cornish, when I first totalled my derailleur I went ballistic, I was so mad. Now when something like that happens I just shrug it off and say to myself "things like this happen, at least that's all it was" and try to coast my bike back home or to the lot.

madbiker555

It makes me happier and calms me down if Im angry. I have more confidence in trying things now.

P.S: multiple spelling mistakes in your paragraphs, I point a lot of things out.

Cornish_Rdr_UK

Hehehe, I noticed a few hours after i posted it, Spose i had abit of an adrenalin rush from riding and typing goes to crap when that happens..

iamthetas

to keep from running into trees I had to learn to concentrate. it has been a great help with my A D D. it kept me sane during my divorce. Ive never cared much about how I look in spandex but these racing fit jerseys(euro cut) really get some looks when Im showing the old belly. Ive learned how to use a computer due to these forums and all the folks pointing out my mistakes. it has helped me decide what I want to do for a living when I grow up( im 41 now ha ha). that is park(state,national,local) service of some kind so I can get paid to be in the woods. its built confidence that I am able to pass on to my kids now since they ride with me at times or just the fact that Im more in control of my thoughts and emotions makes me a better dad

Killer B

Anyone on here ever heard of "endorphin's"? That's what all the fuss is about in case you didn't know....

alcahueteria

It's given me a reason to get up in the morning. Aerospace engineering REALLY wasn't/isn't cutting it. Riding helps me forget about school and realize there is a world beyond this **** hole.

Hopper

I found that I'm way fitter now, I know what my body can take and it has become a way of life for me. I have no idea what I would be doing without riding, it fills a big hole in my life. I also find it calms me down, but in a race I am so happy and psyched up by the adrenaline rush and crowd... I just love it.

anthonaut

But...?

As for me, its just something i love to do and is fun. I couldnt imaging life without riding. It is part of me now.

harov3

I found it a great help in finishing my engineering degree. When I got my first "real" bike I took it on a 4 day solo trail ride. Looking back I'm probably lucky I didn't expire from heat exhaustion (45+C degree days). I was 42? out of shape and the only riding I did was to Uni and back ocasionally. H3ll, now I'm older, still perfectly round but much fitter. But the ride taught me I could finish anything because I finished it. It sounds a little cliched but going back to school at 40's took a lot of the stuffing out of me, I was having to run with the smart kids straight out of High school and a lot of the time I didn't think I could finish the degree. The first real ride changed that. Theres now just 6 months to go, and a lot of those smart kids didnt make it, I think that first real bike and ride is what made it happen.

Cornish_Rdr_UK

Nice Story harov

che_lives90

i think that riding can relieve any amount of stress and still make you feel reall reall good about yourself if you have a good run..

Drunken Chicken

Same here. I can't imagine what I'd do without riding... O_o

skanking biker

It has definately calmed my mind, helped me releive stress, and gotten me to take better care of myself.

I have also found that my priorities in life have shifted from wanting to be a super successful profesional to simply wanting a family and wanting to be outdoors as much as possible (now if only i didnt have those darn student loans).

On the downside---I find it extremely hard to concentrate at work on nice days and do nothing but think of being out on the trails.

iamthetas

its about freedom and challenge,overcoming fears and nature. sure endorphins may help one feel better but there is more than that to mt.biking. especially for us over the age of 40