The therapeutic value of ebiking for people with anxiety or depression

[ebikemom]

I live in a very rainy place. Since I wrote that post, not sure when, I have become a rainy day commuter. I basically finally got the needed raingear, and all is fine. As for the bike, I pretty much just let it dry, and lube the chain when it starts making noise. I also have a chain lube that's made for rainy climes.

For cold rain, I wear a layer of rain pants along with a rain jacket layer, with a fleece layer under that and then my regular clothing. I wear my hood up and put the bike helmet over the hood. And, I keep spare clothing at work in case the rain was harder than my raingear could handle in the 50 minute ride. Most days it's fine, but some days I have needed the back-up clothing, and then everything lays around my office and dries, ready for me when it is time to cycle home.

 

[JohnWiddick]

I haven't tried ebiking myself, but hearing about your experience makes me want to give it a shot, rain or shine. It sounds like you've got the whole rainy day commuting routine down to a science with your gear and backup clothing stash at work. Kudos to you for finding something that works for you! Speaking of PTSD, I came across this resource on PTSD treatment in South Florida that might be helpful for anyone in the area dealing with similar challenges: https://restore-mentalhealth.com/ptsd-treatment-in-south-florida/. I gotta say, your dedication to ebiking despite the rainy weather is seriously impressive.

 

[PedalUma]

I haven't tried ebiking myself, but hearing about your experience makes me want to give it a shot, rain or shine. It sounds like you've got the whole rainy day commuting routine down to a science with your gear and backup clothing stash at work. Kudos to you for finding something that works for you!

@JohnWiddick,
Welcome. There are a wide range of electric bikes. They feel and behave very differently from each other. Because of electric bikes I have been car free since the beginning of 2018. I feel better and more fit than twenty years ago. I had anxiety and depression but because I was in it I didn't know it; like a fish at the bottom of the sea doesn't know what water is. Electric bikes have definitely helped. They are also highly addictive. You will get a big surge of endorphins and other mood enhancers. But than you will become dependent and become antsy and agitated when you have not ridden. Then when you ride you will have bliss. But you will need to ride longer and more often to get the same thrill and peace.