Guys, this is a cycling forum, not a psychology forum. I made some comments which, while true, just really shouldn't be on a cycling forum - both yesterday and in the recent past.

I sincerely apologize for that. Not only should you not have to read it, or process it, but it's really all TMI. And it doesn't reflect well on me, if someone "real world" found this, I would be really embarrassed. I've been very selective about who knows what about my situation, but online I spilled my guts ... I guess I've bottled it all up for 51 years, and it's just spewing out like a volcano now. Healthy in ways, but not appropriate here.

I haven't even had the courage to look at yesterday's thread, last week's that was brought up today. I feel like an idiot.

So sorry again, I'm going to lay low for a long time. Still struggling to find time and motivation to ride, but I need to make that more of a priority in my life. Like I said, I've been blessed with everything, but I just can't see it most days through the fog of whatever this was/is in my life. In cycling, I've been blessed to indulge my whims, with the hope that it was, and will be again, a part of my therapy and salvation.

And yes, I've taken appropriate medical steps to deal with this.

Respectfully and humbly, DaveQ.

Hey ... no worries. FWIW, you should be able to go back and delete any posts you'd rather disappear. Just hit "Edit" then "Delete."

You wouldn't be the first.

Don't sweat it.

Its not our first time that a member of the forum let their self vent here. I read your post and only hoped that you find some peace, and you find some professional help. We all have some things in our past, and no one here claims perfection, that I know of. Taking time away can let you gather your thoughts, and let yourself begin healing.

Best wishes on getting your self sorted, and that you can find how you will heal the inner wounds.

Bill

I don't know what post or posts you are referring to, but whatever is happening in your life, I hope it all smooths over for ya. We all go through **** at some point or another.

Take care of yourself in whatever way you need to, brother.

Links?

I hope you find peace of mind and relief from your troubles.

No worries. We're older and often cranky from the aches and pains that go along with "life's experiences". It's not unusual for those factors to influence our posting styles occasionally.

FWIW, I was a long time mod on a couple other niche interest websites, starting when I was in my late 30s back in the 1990s. I noticed my own posting style changed after a car wreck in 2001 busted up my back and neck. On days when I was in pain I tended to be a bit curt and occasionally belabored debates to the point of gratuitous arguments.

By 2014 or so I realized I needed to make some changes. I was just as grumpy and occasionally rude as some of the folks I was supposed to be reining in. Not a good characteristic for a mod. So I quit and took up bicycling again.

Best thing I could have done for my overall well being.

But, yeah, as we've discussed in some recent posts, occasionally it's frustrating when the body doesn't cooperate with the mind's determination.

When I have days like that I step away from the keyboard and put the pressure on the pedals, or just walk more. I don't walk nearly enough now and it works different muscles -- although it's never as enjoyable as bicycling.

Dave, I didnt read anything close to what you are talking about and it wouldnt offend me in the least. Your humble comments afterward are commendable. I hope in the coming days you can enjoy short rides and small victories. Be easy on yourself and dont stay away too long.

**** happens. Don't worry.

Lots of things are shared on forums that we regret. I read your post and felt that it was an honest telling of how bicycling is something you're holding on to as a way of bettering yourself. Who here does not feel that way? Maybe you have to work through some things that go beyond BF advice, I know I do. I'm ok with what you shared. I only wish the best and hope you chime in again to let us know how riding has made you better, or how we can help make it so. Please, don't go away, lots of members here are pulling for you. Take a break if you need to but don't go.

RIDE ON!!!!

good luck

You seem to be dealing with life better today. That's a good thing.

Hi @DaveQ

Sorry to hear about the dilemmas as you describe. The first post of yours I recall reading and taking note of your presence was in October last year, “Any secrets for lifting yourself out of a slump? Too tired to ride!,” to which I replied. I too struggle with my professional workload to find the time to ride, and cycling is my outlet. That post was a chance for me to summarize my own strategies. Since then I have regularly read your posts as I encounter them.

We have had a few conversation entre nous on the Forums, especially since,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

Again, “Hi” as a Michigan native. I have posted previously that Michiganians always seem to find each other.

I personally read BF much more for the experiential rather than materiel (hardware) aspects of cycling, and indeed wrote,

Dave, don't worry about it. The post I saw was honest and involved cycling. Beats the psychological problems exhibited by trolls by a country mile.

No worries, many of us have been there, including myself. Good luck in finding balance and happiness, it's much more difficult for some people. I hope you fair well.

+1

I've enjoyed your posts Dave, and, as others have said, sometimes you just need to vent in order to feel better. I know sometimes I feel better if I vent to a bunch of internet strangers than if I vent to family members or friends.

In any event, I hope you find resolutions to what you are going thru and return to the forum sooner than later.

It may have been mentioned earlier that you can easily delete specific posts that embarrass you. You can also ask a mod to delete entire threads if you are the OP. Seems like you might want to take advantage of both of those options.

I kind of related to your post in the "remove one at a time" thread, to be honest...

Especially the part about the oldies music, eh? That sure hit home for me.

Hey, I'm mentally ill in the real world. Thank goodness for a place where we enjoy our hobby without (too much) judgement. Don't go. Join Pub51 for a while, i'll 'drink' with ya. But it's lonely at times.

Um, yea, right! That was exactly it!!

I must respectfully disagree with you...I find your post both courageous and helpful. You, me and millions of other middle age men are challenged by the past and how to manage the feelings that are associated with being survivors of trauma, abuse and neglect.

The fact that you have chosen to let go of the pain and have begun to take your power back is inspirational to any person who is struggling to find the wherewithal within themselves to take that step. How you take the first steps are inconsequential, the fact that you have begun is all that counts. It doesn't matter how people who don't understand react; what matters is how it makes you feel.

I wish you peace, serenity, and the strength to continue on your journey. And please remember that when men like you show the temerity to expose your pain to anyone, you become a source of hope to any who still suffer.