Ever notice that when you're forced off of your bike for more than a week, your mind starts to crumble ?

Small tasks become larger than life. You get a little short with everyone around you. You feel like kicking the dog, the cat looks like Satan (probably is) and the fish in your tank mock you.

That's because you're missing sessions with your therapist: Dr. Colnago, Dr. Serotta, Dr. Merlin, Dr. Waterford, Dr. Klein -- whoever your doc is.

I can't think of anything more calming than a couple of hours on my bike. Group therapy might be fine, but nothing works better than a one-on-one session with the pedals.

Fifteen minutes into the ride, you feel yourself starting to open up and talk about what's bugging you.

At 45 minutes you realize it's pretty damn silly to get so uptight about how your spouse brushes their teeth or that a seemingly rude person is just trying to be a comedian.

After an hour, you move into a state of reflection and calmness. You start to notice the scenery and appreciate how lucky you are to be able have these sessions and sort through all your gremlins.

You cruise back home with all the planets once again aligned. Aaaahhh ! Endorphins are so cool !

Tips for these sessions :
• It's okay to talk out loud. Non-cyclists already think we're nuts.

• Primal screams are fine and can be very effective (particularly if a dog decides to interrupt the session). However, I don't recommend it when police are within earshot.

• Indoor trainer sessions can work, but you run the risk of completely losing your mind due to the subliminal satanic messages coming through your headphones.

• Some rides need to be hard to break through the barriers. Some rides can be very easy. Some rides don't work at all. In that case, go home and call a real therapist.

page mise en ligne le 12 février 2004 par SVP

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