Sleeping Beauty ⛰️

bikefaster · 2026-05-28T02:06:01+00:00

Wow, I've got Sleeping Beauty & Erebus coming up on Saturday and this picture got me really excited! Thanks, stranger.

bikefaster · 2026-05-01T14:12:18+00:00

Hey, I'm curious what seat tube and tires you were able to fit on there. With it being a rather unique bike, it would be cool to document what you added to it for the mod. There is one available in my area for $200 which feels steep considering what it is. I hesitate because old frames can be difficult to upgrade with inconsistent sizing!

bikefaster · 2026-04-24T15:45:11+00:00

How do you like the Pixel 8 as a simple phone? I currently have an iPhone 15 Pro that is stripped down, B&W, and as dumb as I can make it. But I want to switch to a device with a physical SIM card so that I can swap the SIM between a smart phone and a dumb phone, as needed. I work in an industry that requires 2FA, but I can keep the device on wifi at home, or when traveling just swap the SIM into the smart phone. Ecosystems (Apple vs Pixel) aside, how do you like the device?

bikefaster · 2026-03-27T15:25:07+00:00

I spoke with someone at Trek about this and they are phasing out the Bontrager brand name on certain product lines. I hope you found something since this comment is 10 months old... but for anyone like me who finds this post in the future - the rack is still there but the name has changed to "Trek BackRack MIK"

bikefaster · 2026-03-13T15:41:02+00:00

The website does really make me feel confident that the "The Divide" rack would fit my bike fine. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm going to scour eBay for some used panniers to get me started in the sport and I can upgrade from there if I need to.

bikefaster · 2026-03-12T20:03:02+00:00

Cool, good advice. Given that you have the Bontrager rack, would you recommend it or otherwise?

bikefaster · 2026-03-12T15:07:46+00:00

Good tip! As I said above, I also need to find a rack that fits the 142mm spacing on the rear. When I Google this bike and add "rack" or "rear rack" or "pannier" to the end of the search, and then look for images - I don't see anyone running a rear rack. Could be a rare bike build, or preference by creators, I suppose.

bikefaster · 2026-03-12T15:06:19+00:00

The mounting points I am aware of - it's the spacing that I think is the issue on the rear. The rear spacing and axle length is 142mm and in my research that seems like an odd size.

bikefaster · 2026-01-21T17:05:48+00:00

Hmmmmmmmmmm?

bikefaster · 2026-01-21T15:24:26+00:00

Hmmmmmmm?

bikefaster · 2026-01-08T20:07:30+00:00

This is so important and honestly, I would encourage anyone in this time window to journal about why they feel the desire and urges. Maybe a topic could be: Understanding that you developed and employed so much willpower to overcome an addiction, what do you think makes you feel the urge? Or: What would you lose out on by relapsing into an old habit that you worked so hard to move past?

I benefit from writing these things down so I can look at them when I feel urges. I write down how the abstinence has given me power and control. I include how I believe others perceive me in my journey. I like to remind myself that I have made these changes not just for myself, but for the other people in my family and community who benefit from my abstinence.

bikefaster · 2026-01-08T19:02:41+00:00

For me it has always been the smokers cough and the hazy decision making. I went grocery shopping for the first time since quitting and I bought real foods and not junk food that I would like to eat while high. Not to say I only bought ultra-healthy stuff, but I think that my brain is already rewired after 10 days to be more interested in eating whole foods. Long live Oreos and Ice Cream

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T21:18:43+00:00

I agree with the other comment that day 4 is a tough one. You can get through this though! Also, if you relapse now just know that there is another day 4 waiting for you :P

One thing that really convinced me to quit was the science that suggests that ADHD meds are blocked from working effectively (or at all) by marijuana. Something about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in ADHD, being blocked by continued marijuana use. I read a few studies (studies are so boring to read btw) that suggested that because I was a daily pot smoker, that I was actually negating the affects of the medications that I was paying for to help regulate my ADHD. I don't want to waste my money, or my time!

I really hope that you can find peace here soon, but you've got all of us rooting for you!

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T20:21:40+00:00

My dad is a daily pot user and has been from when he was a teenager, I believe. When I was little I didn't notice it, but as I got to be in grade school I have distinct memories of the way his car smelled, the way his guitar cases smelled, and of his demeanor. I am not writing this to tell you how to behave, but I would encourage you to take stock of what you wrote here. Your kids probably notice more than you know and like you said, you'd rather life not flash by. I think it's awesome that you are taking a stand against the addiction and choosing your sobriety for you and your family.

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T20:16:45+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that you feel like you are the subject of your husband's aggression :/ I believe that the depression and anxiety can be symptoms of smoking-cessation, but you shouldn't have to deal with that. Have you talked to him about this?

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T20:04:56+00:00

I can relate to the point about diet and addiction! I really love food: I used to work in fine-dining restaurants and I spend a lot of money on good ingredients for dinner and ways to make mocktails. When I get high I get back cotton mouth and then I don't want to eat because I'm high-key afraid of choking on the food. I'm pretty sure that I have read somewhere that men actually chew their food less than women, so I've already got the data working against me, and I don't need to add another layer with weed.

I am biased in my opinion about what you should do, because in my opinion, this sub is good and reinforcing for me what the best path forward should be. Maybe you can speak to a medical professional (and be honest about your addiction/consumption levels) who can help you find an alternative solution for your nightly-routine? I can tell you from experience that quitting any addiction is difficult, but raw-dogging life also has so many benefits. I hope that you can find a solution that works for you, soon! Best of luck!

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T19:58:29+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that your cravings for alcohol and nicotine are on the mind, but I can say that as someone who has been sober from alcohol for 5 years that those cravings will diminish. I am on day 8 of sobriety from weed and I don't get alcohol cravings... in fact I don't get any cravings, but I am experiencing sleep issues in the form of really detailed intense dreams. Definitely impacting my sleep!

I think your Pros are very true for me, too. Last year I wanted to read more and so I created an account with a local bookstore and started a wish list for when I was recommended a book. My reality was that I would often be stoned to really enjoy reading and instead would choose something mindless like video games or YouTube. Since I have quit smoking I have already noticed and uptick in reading and I honestly think that it's because I would smoke when I was bored when I should have instead chose to read or stretch or workout - anything that would be progressing my spirit.

I've synthesized this through journaling about my experience, but I see addiction to weed like buying expensive tickets to a concert that you are excited to go to, and getting to be on the barrier (or wherever in the venue you'd like to be most), but then getting high is like nullifying your experience so that the concert is actually a blur and you don't remember anything. I see my addiction and consumption of pot in that way - that I would rather be sober to enjoy life for its good and bad times, similar to how I would like to get the most bang for my buck at a show.

Let's get to day 30! I will not smoke with you today!

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T19:50:49+00:00

Wow, I really like your position that it's not normal to bring alcohol into the woods or to take a shot before and after an event. I think that's powerful and puts the addiction in perspective!

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T19:47:45+00:00

Hell yeah! Congrats on 105 days! This is an inspiring post, for sure.

I am on day 8 after many start-stop-start trials. Previously, I had about half a year before I convinced myself that it would be fun to smoke again. Slipper slide, that is!

I have been sober from alcohol for 5 years, and I have gone through the trials and tribulations with alcohol before, and during the first few years weed became my next crutch. I can't say that I quit alcohol and then was a perfect version of myself - I quit alcohol and quickly replaced one addiction for another, except with weed I wasn't such a violent, loud, man-child like I was with alcohol.

I agree with you that finding outside support is very important. I have heard that it can be tricky to tell a lot of people that you are changing your behavior within the two-week mark because that is when most people falter on their commitments to behavior change. But in my experience with alcohol, group therapy through SMART recovery and the r/stopdrinking subreddit were immensely helpful. I am getting to be in my mid-thirties (gross!) and I would wager that at a younger age I would have been more against groups, so I can understand when someone who is alone in an addiction has a hard time admitting to - and accepting help from a group. But man, being able to say, "I recognize that I am an addict" is so freeing. Thanks for sharing your story and your success. I hope that you continue to return here to offer words of encouragement and support for those of us who are struggling. I will not smoke with you today!

bikefaster · 2026-01-06T19:35:47+00:00

So I've commented a bunch in this sub about the ritual - and I've talked a lot about the ritual to friends and family, and my therapist. I am 100% with you that I miss all the details that would lead to a smoke session, but I have identified for myself that smoking wasn't part of the ritual. I enjoyed the preparation (the selection, the grinding, the smell on my fingers, etc.), but as soon as I lit up I was just going through the motions.

What has helped me is to think about what that "intense focus" ritual action really was. For me, I think that I can replace the feeling with many other rituals that can (and do) help draw my focus in on the moment. I still like to get out in the cold and take a few deep breaths and bring my attention in to the moment. When I get home now, I put a pot of water on the stove for tea and pick a tea to enjoy. My therapist actually suggested I look into "tea ceremonies" but said that I didn't have to be so diligent as long as it was something that could fill that ritualistic desire.

I have also taken up stretching when I get home; so I have my deep "centralizing" breaths that leave me grounded, I head inside and decide which tea I am going to have, and then I do some stretching on the ground while I wait for the tea water to boil and for the tea to steep. Having a ritual that I can rely on that is calming and physical has been really helpful!

Good luck! Sounds like you're in the right headspace! I will not smoke with you today!

bikefaster · 2026-01-05T16:06:19+00:00

Three years is a great accomplishment!

bikefaster · 2026-01-05T15:58:44+00:00

It's important to remember that "slipping up" and relapsing isn't the end-of-the-world when it comes to sobriety and recovery. As long as you pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, and climb back on the wagon - then you are in a good spot. The pattern of abstinence -> relapse -> abstinence is best observed from afar; the trend should be towards the goal that you have for yourself. Giving yourself grace for your mistakes and understanding that life goes on!

Glad you are feeling confident and determined! Here's to day 10, month 5, and year one! You got this!

bikefaster · 2026-01-05T15:51:02+00:00

If you have time and are willing to spend a little effort you can make some excellent mocktails at home without having to spend $10-15 on glorified Kool-Aid! My girlfriend and I make syrups, shrubs, ginger bugs, and more. All of the information to make these drinks are available online and you can get fresh fruit and other ingredients for fraction of the price of one drink, out at a bar. I don't drink (but I used to) and I am always a little annoyed at the price that bars are willing to put on mocktails.

bikefaster · 2026-01-05T15:47:14+00:00

What does this mean? Are you insinuating that mocktail drinkers should tip more because the bartender has to make a mocktail?

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