Why does the Mind forget Pain and Danger so quickly?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3876 Post(s)
Liked 2,787 Times
in
1,700 Posts
Likes For MinnMan:
#27
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,490
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4542 Post(s)
Liked 2,770 Times
in
1,783 Posts
That's why I'd rank Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis among the all time great heavyweights. While both suffered knockout losses, they seemed mentally indomitable. While many boxers never mentally recover from KO losses, Holyfield and Lewis had a knack for shrugging off defeats and coming back stronger.
Guys like Oliver McCall, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson had talent and were exciting fighters in their primes, but lacked that mental toughness and tended to self-destruct.
#28
Junior Member
This is an interesting thought i've had myself, i often think about how much i want to avoid getting injured, all the things that could go wrong, but then find myself riding like a maniac soon after...
I guess the mind gets lazy and we seek excitement. But like other people have pointed out, once you hit a certain level of pain you probably wont forget
I guess the mind gets lazy and we seek excitement. But like other people have pointed out, once you hit a certain level of pain you probably wont forget
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Thornhill, Canada
Posts: 724
Bikes: United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 227 Post(s)
Liked 377 Times
in
232 Posts
Why? Same reason(s) why we elect the same politicians and expect different results......
We forget about the "pain".....but I digress.
We forget about the "pain".....but I digress.
Likes For Speedway2:
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 24,181
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7557 Post(s)
Liked 7,976 Times
in
4,012 Posts
That was Oliver McCall who broke down in the ring, in their rematch after McCall knocked out Lewis. McCall wasn't in any particular physical pain -- he was a tough summagun, one of Mike Tyson's fiercest sparring partners -- but he was mentally a mess.
That's why I'd rank Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis among the all time great heavyweights. While both suffered knockout losses, they seemed mentally indomitable. While many boxers never mentally recover from KO losses, Holyfield and Lewis had a knack for shrugging off defeats and coming back stronger.
Guys like Oliver McCall, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson had talent and were exciting fighters in their primes, but lacked that mental toughness and tended to self-destruct.
That's why I'd rank Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis among the all time great heavyweights. While both suffered knockout losses, they seemed mentally indomitable. While many boxers never mentally recover from KO losses, Holyfield and Lewis had a knack for shrugging off defeats and coming back stronger.
Guys like Oliver McCall, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson had talent and were exciting fighters in their primes, but lacked that mental toughness and tended to self-destruct.
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I think I wrote my original Post incorrectly. Climbing a tough Hill on a Bike is hard, but I've seen lots of more valiant behavior.
Its all relative to who you are..
A couple of weeks ago I saw an 80 plus year old man using a walker in the dead of Winter get out of his Car and go on his errands. That was truly brave.
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
Its all relative to who you are..
A couple of weeks ago I saw an 80 plus year old man using a walker in the dead of Winter get out of his Car and go on his errands. That was truly brave.
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
#32
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,490
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4542 Post(s)
Liked 2,770 Times
in
1,783 Posts
...A couple of weeks ago I saw an 80 plus year old man using a walker in the dead of Winter get out of his Car and go on his errands. That was truly brave.
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
A good bike ride, run or walk is the best thing I've found for reducing chronic pain. As long as I'm able to stumble to the bathroom, I'm only a step away from dragging my carcass outside for a walk, or onto the indoor trainer for a spin. If I feel better after an easy warmup -- and I usually do -- then I'll continue with a harder workout. Nothing beats the buzz from brain chemicals generated by physical activity.
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Because the alternative -- indolence and slowly fading away -- is worse. Between an autoimmune disorder and injuries I'm in pain all the time, every day. The wee hours and mornings are worst. Exercise is one of the few things I can do to relieve the pain that doesn't require a prescription. I had prescription pain meds for years and it wasn't better. It made me sluggish, lazy, depressed, fatter, unhealthier and unhappier. I still have those prescriptions but rarely use them. It's gotta be really bad before I'll take one because it'll make me dopey and lazy for days.
A good bike ride, run or walk is the best thing I've found for reducing chronic pain. As long as I'm able to stumble to the bathroom, I'm only a step away from dragging my carcass outside for a walk, or onto the indoor trainer for a spin. If I feel better after an easy warmup -- and I usually do -- then I'll continue with a harder workout. Nothing beats the buzz from brain chemicals generated by physical activity.
A good bike ride, run or walk is the best thing I've found for reducing chronic pain. As long as I'm able to stumble to the bathroom, I'm only a step away from dragging my carcass outside for a walk, or onto the indoor trainer for a spin. If I feel better after an easy warmup -- and I usually do -- then I'll continue with a harder workout. Nothing beats the buzz from brain chemicals generated by physical activity.
Last edited by 5 mph; 02-09-21 at 12:56 AM.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,141
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17767 Post(s)
Liked 14,128 Times
in
6,706 Posts
I think I wrote my original Post incorrectly. Climbing a tough Hill on a Bike is hard, but I've seen lots of more valiant behavior.
Its all relative to who you are..
A couple of weeks ago I saw an 80 plus year old man using a walker in the dead of Winter get out of his Car and go on his errands. That was truly brave.
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
Its all relative to who you are..
A couple of weeks ago I saw an 80 plus year old man using a walker in the dead of Winter get out of his Car and go on his errands. That was truly brave.
I saw a Gentleman with an Oxygen tank on a Cart get on the Bus..
I see a 80 year old frail lady taking a walk everyday in my neighborhood .
Why do we all do such brave and painful things in Life?
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Good question. The man with the Walker was at the pharmacy asking about the Vaccine and gave his age which was actually 80+
As for the other two, I'm judging by appearance . 70 still looks young these days. 80 is much harder on us . They may actually have been older. Lady that takes a walk always has a Nurse ? Social worker? with her and is quite frail.Lives in the nursing home next to my house, see her returning from my daily bike ride everyday.
Always get a laugh about journalists who fabricate news stories.
As for the other two, I'm judging by appearance . 70 still looks young these days. 80 is much harder on us . They may actually have been older. Lady that takes a walk always has a Nurse ? Social worker? with her and is quite frail.Lives in the nursing home next to my house, see her returning from my daily bike ride everyday.
Always get a laugh about journalists who fabricate news stories.
Last edited by 5 mph; 02-09-21 at 08:54 AM.
#36
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 5,411
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2193 Post(s)
Liked 4,641 Times
in
2,453 Posts
I believe, as pointed out here, that human memory is relatively short lived unless the trauma is deep. That encompasses the spectrum from personal memory to “history repeating itself”. There also is a risk - reward component. If the reward outweighs the risk, the perceived risk is minimized.
The effort of climbing with toe clips (an admitted risk in a slow speed tumble) has an element of risk. Vehicles zooming by add yet another. Getting to the crest (yippee, I did it!) and zooming down (the reward) minimizes the risks (dopamine). Aging and memory (booo hiss) might also play into repeating risky behavior.
At 66, I still like to single track mtn bike down steep dirt tracks through the woods. Risky? Very. Foolish? Yup, but I absolutely enjoy the thrill of it and the challenge involved. It beats me up, but I go back for more. But then I am attracted to activities involving moderate risk, like fast skiing, doing 45+ on my road bike, driving my sports car quickly (but not unreasonably so) out in the boonies when there are no people or cyclists. So it comes down to calculated risk/reward, and my short memory of a few minor mishaps, when boundaries are pushed, just like climbing your hill.
The effort of climbing with toe clips (an admitted risk in a slow speed tumble) has an element of risk. Vehicles zooming by add yet another. Getting to the crest (yippee, I did it!) and zooming down (the reward) minimizes the risks (dopamine). Aging and memory (booo hiss) might also play into repeating risky behavior.
At 66, I still like to single track mtn bike down steep dirt tracks through the woods. Risky? Very. Foolish? Yup, but I absolutely enjoy the thrill of it and the challenge involved. It beats me up, but I go back for more. But then I am attracted to activities involving moderate risk, like fast skiing, doing 45+ on my road bike, driving my sports car quickly (but not unreasonably so) out in the boonies when there are no people or cyclists. So it comes down to calculated risk/reward, and my short memory of a few minor mishaps, when boundaries are pushed, just like climbing your hill.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
#37
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 5,411
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2193 Post(s)
Liked 4,641 Times
in
2,453 Posts
As a side note, I have to comment that the level of civility and respect afforded within this specific sub-forum is a refreshing change. Well done all.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
#38
Senior Member
To answer your question, YES, I have had this happen many times. Just about every time I take one of my mini tours, I find myself gasping for breath fighting what feels like a gargantuan hill, just barely avoiding a collision with a pickup truck, or silently praying that I get out of a bad neighborhood alive. Each time, I say to myself, "No more of this! From now on, I'm just going to stick to the bike paths close to home!" Ten minutes later, I am already planning my next trip.
When the fear of what can go wrong on a bike ride outweighs the joy of what always goes right, I may finally reconsider whether to ever put myself in that position again. For now, I don't know why, but I only remember the good stuff.
When the fear of what can go wrong on a bike ride outweighs the joy of what always goes right, I may finally reconsider whether to ever put myself in that position again. For now, I don't know why, but I only remember the good stuff.
Likes For Papa Tom:
#39
Member
A few years ago I took a left turn too quickly on a wet road to beat an oncoming car. Wheels flew right out from under me and I slammed down on my shoulder. I was able to ride home, but knew something was wrong when I couldn't lift my bike onto the rafter hook in my shed. Turned out to be a broken collarbone. I still am more cautious than I probably need to be cornering on wet roads.
However, I understand what you are saying. I don't seem to learn from the close calls where nothing bad happened.
However, I understand what you are saying. I don't seem to learn from the close calls where nothing bad happened.
Last edited by patnoe; 02-09-21 at 07:40 PM.
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#41
Member
Two years ago I had a crash where I fractured three ribs, a concussion and some impressive road rash. Quite frankly I didn't dwell on the pain but for a year I kept seeing the cause of the crash. I had been riding in a utility lane and up ahead, I saw that it was under construction so with no traffic coming, I veered to move into the road's right lane. At the very last minute, I saw that the road was about three inches higher than the utility lane. Down I went at about 18 mph. My fault which I won't let happen again. I still occasionally 'see' my tire hitting the three inch wall.
I think that humans are just wired to suppress the memories of pain. We know we were injured but time lessens our fear of repeating the physical trauma. Otherwise, many/most people would never return to a dentist after one or two visits and many/most women wouldn't have a second child. Perhaps scientists would consider it a survival of the human species instinct?
I think that humans are just wired to suppress the memories of pain. We know we were injured but time lessens our fear of repeating the physical trauma. Otherwise, many/most people would never return to a dentist after one or two visits and many/most women wouldn't have a second child. Perhaps scientists would consider it a survival of the human species instinct?
#42
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 5,411
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2193 Post(s)
Liked 4,641 Times
in
2,453 Posts
In my 30s, used to do 150 and 200 mile one days events. I was usually suffering so badly on the climbs, or with cramps, that I vowed to never do them again. That is until about nine months later, when sign-ups opened and I rode them again, and again....
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
”Your lips move but I can’t hear what your saying” DG
#43
Life Feeds On Life
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hondo,Texas
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: Too many Motobecanes
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4205 Post(s)
Liked 4,356 Times
in
2,899 Posts
Accidentally stepped off my scooter a few days after a fairly major foot surgery. I forgot about it I stood on it as normal
Cursed for an hour before the double dose of pain med took a hold. Not as severe as some of the other cases posted here but hurt enough to remember.

#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Posts: 968
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Supersix EVO 3, 2015 Trek 520, 2017 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, 2022 Moots Vamoots Disc RSL
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
136 Posts
Without reading the entire thread, my quick answer is so that we don't become extinct. Can you imagine women clearly remembering the agony of childbirth? Thank God the stronger sex carries children for nine months and gives birth! I know I'm grateful.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 641 Times
in
362 Posts
I have no idea of the answer to your question.
25 years ago (more or less) I crashed on my bike and seriously broke my collarbone. It took 2 surgeries to get it stabilized properly. My insurance company excluded that bone from coverage but I couldn't wait to get back on my bike. Naturally, I went over the bars mountain biking and broke it again. I had it X-rayed for free by a chiropractor and my orthopod confirmed it was broken but would probably heal okay by itself. He didn't charge me anything either. Incidentally my son bawled me out for being so irresponsible. Ever been bawled out by your kid when they were right? I can't remember how long I was off my bike this time, but it wasn't real long.
10 years ago (more or less) I crashed while cycling with my grandson and broke both elbows. The injuries themselves were less serious, but I needed to have a home healthcare aid baby sit me while my wife was at work. After the physical injuries healed It took years and two thearpists for me to overcome the psychological trauma.
My point is that having personally seen both sides of that "get back on the bike" story I wouldn't be too judgemental of how other people react after a crash and I wouldn't expect your reaction to necessarily be the same every time.
Check out my sig line, by the way.
25 years ago (more or less) I crashed on my bike and seriously broke my collarbone. It took 2 surgeries to get it stabilized properly. My insurance company excluded that bone from coverage but I couldn't wait to get back on my bike. Naturally, I went over the bars mountain biking and broke it again. I had it X-rayed for free by a chiropractor and my orthopod confirmed it was broken but would probably heal okay by itself. He didn't charge me anything either. Incidentally my son bawled me out for being so irresponsible. Ever been bawled out by your kid when they were right? I can't remember how long I was off my bike this time, but it wasn't real long.
10 years ago (more or less) I crashed while cycling with my grandson and broke both elbows. The injuries themselves were less serious, but I needed to have a home healthcare aid baby sit me while my wife was at work. After the physical injuries healed It took years and two thearpists for me to overcome the psychological trauma.
My point is that having personally seen both sides of that "get back on the bike" story I wouldn't be too judgemental of how other people react after a crash and I wouldn't expect your reaction to necessarily be the same every time.
Check out my sig line, by the way.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Last edited by Retro Grouch; 02-22-21 at 02:38 AM.
Likes For Retro Grouch:
#48
Life Feeds On Life
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hondo,Texas
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: Too many Motobecanes
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4205 Post(s)
Liked 4,356 Times
in
2,899 Posts
Males are big babies when sick or in pain. I see that in Tom cats the female cat takes an injury in stride the Tom is whining and wants full time attention. I’m guilty of this as well

#49
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You pretty much caught the gist of what I meant. (I was the OP)
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 24,181
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7557 Post(s)
Liked 7,976 Times
in
4,012 Posts
I think that humans are just wired to suppress the memories of pain. We know we were injured but time lessens our fear of repeating the physical trauma. Otherwise, many/most people would never return to a dentist after one or two visits and many/most women wouldn't have a second child.
Women don't "forget" the pain of childbirth. They are willing to endure it because they want another child. They willingly trade the pain for the benefit
.
When we get injured doing something we love, like bicycling, the memory of the pain and injury will hopefully teach us to be more careful.
I can't speak for anyone else but some of my injuries have left vivid images of pain in my brain. I smashed my big toe on a rock while motorcycling in the desert. I didn't forget that pain and I never will but you can bet I think about it when my feet get near rocks when I'm on my mtb.