I stopped riding my bike in November after crashing... again. Turning right off a main road and I didn't notice the gravel in the middle of the intersection and stacked it pretty hard. I hit the deck and cracked my helemt ending up with a pretty solid concussion which took a few months to get over.

At the time I decided I'm never riding my bike again because I'm too prone to this happening! I went cold turkey - deleted the instagram app (escaping the cycling filter bubble), deleted the strava app, and ditched all my cycling group chats. For about 6 months it felt like the right decision and I was pretty at peace with it. I'd still get pangs of regret if I saw a hitter riding around but would pretty quickly forget about it.

In the last couple of months though I've realised I need it. I tried to escape and thought I had but those hours on the bike are something I need at a base level.

You're out in the sun (sometimes) and fresh air tapping along with only your thoughts for company. No phones, no interuptions, no real life. It's amazingly freeing and I honestly find I miss the time subconsciously mulling over problems.

Will I get fast(ish) again? Maybe. Does it matter? Nah. Not sure the ego could take lining up below A grade 😆