pwendel

We’re offering lots of experience and opinions—which is useful. Perhaps we might also consider human factors science and data? Virginia Tech is known not only for their helmet testing standards—they also have world class Human Factors engineering. Maybe we could do a story with a Human Factors group to illustrate how we all might make informed choices to better address our individual bodies, riding styles, and bike capabilities? (Somebody or somebodies are probably doing a PhD on this as you read this) Get some riders, brands, and a tier 1 research university or two to create a series about leveling up your ride with human factors. Make Tippie the host and bring the science like Galileo dropped the orange ;)

This is great—hope some genuine good can come from this. Recalling a’21 Pinkbike story on people and orgs for MTB & Mental Health. So. Much. Potential. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/6-people-and-organizations-improving-mental-health-through-mountain-biking.html

Not a bad thing—love my PNW dropper!

12 k for e-bike or 10k for sport bike? My Yamaha R7 was Less than $10k https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/models.php?product=32&action=gallery

Good on ya Kaos! Wishing sister T continued recovery and back to 100%

This is great! I should add biking (or whatever activity) is nearly always not an either/or way to address mental health. It’s a compliment and can help in ways other methods can’t. Big picture: environmental changes are as critical as DNA, chemical, and social factors. Our brains can literally revise their wiring—esp once multidimensional factors are assessed and taken into account (genetic, cognitive, social, environmental…). This is what the NIH’s research domain criteria is about (as opposed to symptom based DSM-x model). Better understanding the mix of factors = better ways of tailoring what works for each person. Lastly, if you need help now, you can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.

+1 for Flare Ragley. More flare paint schemes, please! Having flashbacks of Klein frames… https://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fisher-Klein-Lemond/1991klein.pdf

Thank you for sharing this! As a dad of 2 kids that have struggled with depression & anxiety, I empathize. I’m very, very glad you found hope, support and a way forward. Environment changes— being outside, riding— are a very important part to include as it has the power to literally help rewire the brain. What we’re learning is that mental health is multi-dimensional —with social, cognitive, emotional, environmental, genetic and other components. The past only addressed symptoms (as was the standard with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual that framed mental health as defined by what symptoms a person was experiencing). The problem with that is two people could be experiencing, say, depression symptoms and have different causal factors for what was underlying the depression. Now we’re seeing new models like the NIH rDOC (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/rdoc) take a multidimensional stance to understanding mental illness and brain health. As a dad and research collaborator, this gives me hope for new ways to address mental health. I may get prescribed a community, an activity, personalized medicine, and do so in partnership with one’s family, not just a single person. So, keep riding! Talk with people. And if you’re thinking that the pain of this world is too much, text HOME to 741741 to get help now. Peace!