On Monday, July 24, 2000 12:00:00 AM UTC-7, Brian D. Potter wrote:
Looking for anecdotal evidence: what effect does cycling have on
spousal/intimate relationships? First, how many cyclists out there are
divorced? Second, did cycling have anything to do with that
circumstance? I'll be the first to answer: "me" to the second and "no"
to the third. However, for those who want to take the inquiry one step
further, how has cycling affected current relationships, positively
and/or negatively? Again, I'll go first. Cycling doesn't really put a
time strain on my current relationship, but it occasionally creates
problems with the where, when, and how far. For instance, we have a
demonstration ride here in my home town--not Critical Mass stuff, but
with a "We ARE Traffic" mentality. Unfortunately, my girlfriend is a
novice cyclist who isn't quite ready for prime time, so we have had to
make alternate arrangements. On some occasions, this has led to
tension.

Do divorcees turn to cycling to express grief, anger, tension,
disappointment? Does it work well as therapy? Do intact couples use
cycling to increase family coherence? Does it ever cause division?

I am not doing official research, nor am I publishing results.

[Note: please contribute your own stories, if you like, or any relevant
observations, generalizations, etc. I'm not looking for feedback on the
experiences related above. This is purely curiosity--for those of you
who don't wish to play, don't bother posting to say it's none of my
business. I already know that. Thanks in advance.]

It works MUCH better than therapy. But then I tend to take everything in stride and others may not have the same reaction.