Alcoholism, Anxiety, & Mountain Bikes | This Is My Story

[@glennder8]

Proud of this. Proud of you. Happy 6 pal. I am grateful to have found you lost in the woods. I love you.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Love you too brother. Thanks for letting me tag along years ago. Bet you didn't know you'd change my life. :-)

[@Projectnortheast]

Nice job Jimmy, I could tell this wasn't easy for you to make! Proud to have you as a team mate and friend. You talk about Team Granite helping you along the way just as the guys have for my riding, but you've also helped us out along the way as well! We've always ragged on each other, criticized, and bounced ideas off each other and I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I'm at in my own biking journey without your help! Let's ride more bikes...

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers to that brother. We will always be the punk ass KZbinrs, but there is no growth without others pushing you both on and off of the bike. I appreciate all that you do to spread the word about this community and to keep me on my toes! Onward and upward brother.

[@russelsmith5006]

Every so often, but not often enough, a friend opens up and shares a deeply personal story like this and because everyone goes through that same search for something it just resonates and shows we’re all alike. By sharing your story so authentically you’ll touch so many more people - and provide some hope for many other guys in their 20s awaiting their own epiphany. I ‘found’ hiking then biking at a similar low. Massive credit to you for sharing, you’re story is the most meaningful kind of success in life. Thanks 👍

[@MTBTravelReview]

Very well said and thank you for the support. If I even help one person, this was worth it. This journey is the only reason I am still here and others deserve the same. Thank you for supporting the community.

[@TheJaxsonjack]

Funny. One of the few things that keeps my mind off of alcohol is mountain biking ... Thanks for sharing!

[@shawnmorrison5501]

This was great, loved that your able to share your story. ❤️

[@garekhurt1958]

Loved this video! My sobriety date is ten days before yours. Cheers to almost 7 for us! When I first found sobriety my surfing kicked in like mtb’ing for you. I had a massive posse of sober shredders and we had a killer time rolling through meetings, fish taco huts, and good or shitty waves. Now I’m landlocked and in a community where sobriety is both sparse and being active in activities as a sober crew is non-existent. However, I discovered mtb’ing and it’s catching on here in Winslow AZ. Glad to share a passion and a way of right-living with ya!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Congrats to you man!! Always tough in a new area, but it sounds like mountain biking fits the bill, so kudos to thatB. Keep up the good work man. 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@connorsclan67]

Friggin great stuff!!!!. Having a child who also is beating addiction - this resonates huge! I hope you continue to spread this message.. Many need this.... Well done..

[@MTBTravelReview]

Really appreciate the support and wishing all the best for your child and their struggle. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it can be done and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[@CasperRc81]

I have to attend C/R class every Friday 7-9p. “Celebrate Recovery” at my church. We congregate then worship hear testimonies then “chips” for sobriety even if relapse first week. Then brake off into groups by gender, after congregate again afterwards before going home. You need to get a sponsor supporter someone you can call that has experience when your alone and questioning life. I did not stumble on this video by chance but all aspects of life are divine appointments. I love you for this video everyone in here and don’t be shy to put that first foot forward. And remember in these groups the confidentialities our stories or our weekly shares are second to none. It’s truly amazing and now my wife Looks at me as a man and we both to have different lenses on of life. Your not fixed but understand your battling for your life in this fallen over temptation world. God bless and thank you for being a Man with this video your helping people. I absolutely LOVE this I have a group of. Brothers and I choose “Addictive behavior’s”. Currently battling use of POT. But sits everything. What’s amazing about CR @ a church is they/we deal with any addictions down to over washing of hands, helicopter parenting absolutely does not matter. Your bike is your pillar but may I encourage you or anyone stumbling to be with them selves in that when Jesus Christ is our focus we can deal with those sticky situations when we don’t have a bike, exercise etc. Once we start our day first thing you wake up to the thankfulness of Jesus Christ read Matthew ch:6 vrs. 5-15 he provides your/our bikes or what he provides is definitely multiplied.

[@MTBTravelReview]

I am an atheist, but respect your perspective and opinion. Thank you for sharing your story and hope with others. Keep up the good fight. ❤️

[@andyboy198577777]

I’m a cocain addict. I also do opiates. Mountain biking helps me stay clean. Saturday night, I remember Sunday morning rides and it helps me stay on the straight and narrow.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Something to look forward to, one day at a time.

[@connerSphotography]

Great story brother. My dad was an alcoholic so I love hearing stories of people overcoming their own alcoholism. Good job

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you very much and sorry to hear that you were affected by alcoholism.

[@robiveevee840]

Hey Jimmy , tks for sharing your story , I am an alcoholic also , I got sober about 10 yrs ago . Before sobriety I was a rider, then i had a bad stint with booze , took a while to get myself back on planet Earth ! I got back on the mtb , still riding and the bike is the best therapy . Glad to hear your story , and happy for you ! Happy Trails

[@MTBTravelReview]

Keep up the good work and thanks for the support my friend. One day at a time, hopefully on a bike. 👊🏼❤️

[@thomasking5025]

Hey man I stumbled on your channel. Fellow rider myself, we have a lot in common, really glad you made this. I too am a alcoholic myself, 7 months sober. Blacked out and hit a ambulance and totalled my car head on into a pole. Got a dui and went to jail. That was the turning point for me. I ended up living next to a trail system and bought a mtb, and started riding. Now I try to ride every day and it definitely helps with my anxiety and clears my head. Met some beautiful people in the community. So thanks for sharing your story.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Glad that my video resonated with you and thank you for sharing your story. Not an easy story to share, I’m sure. Keep riding my friend. One day at a time. 👊🏼❤️

[@IbexCustomBikes]

Thank you for sharing your story. True words on how everyone goes through some sort of addiction wether they know it or not. And yea, they think they’re alone in it. I’m incredibly inspired, coming from that small country town riding my Bmx miles to rent a VHS over an interstate and through woods, spray painting under bridges, being the kid with orange spiked hair, NOFX shirt and chain wallet amongst the rodeo guys. Did the restaurant business for 15 plus and the “power hours.” Created my channel in January with intent to highlight how trails help your trials. A buddy got me into riding again during COVID and been hooked since. I’ve got lots to work on and like I said, inspiration given. I’m glad I opened up that little banner on my phone and scrolled a couple and saw this. Thanks so much for sharing and keep on keeping on. I appreciate you and you’ve helped me open my eyes this morning to concentrate and do what I set to do. Excuse me while I go fix my BB, journal and find that “crew.” Love and respect to you and yours!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Great to hear that the video resonates with you my friend. It’s not a road that everyone will endure, but I am truly grateful that I could share my story for the few that will understand. All the best to you on your journey. One step at a time my friend. 👊🏼❤️

[@stevenbrier5802]

YES! Thanks for sharing this. I know it takes courage to talk about this topic. I too am sober and found mountain biking to be an extremely important part of my program. It gives me an outlet, freedom, excitement, goals, fun ... and I can't help but have a smile on my face the whole time. The thought of having a drink doesn't even enter my mind - even though there's a beer party at just about every trailhead. Keep rolling, man!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Same to you brother. 👊🏼❤️

[@ssa9561]

Wow, thank you 🤩✌️👍🎉☮️

[@Persiusmo]

Thanks for sharing. Stick with it bud! My dad just hit 40 years in March.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you and congrats to your father! Amazing!

[@oneatatimegarage]

I dig it man. I had a few dark days in the restaurant biz as well. Quit smoking at 40 yrs old. Been riding regularly for about 3 years now and the last two have been taken to a new level. My lady and I (who also rides) watch you channel often and pick up tips on technique and new ride areas. Thanks for everything and bringing the positive stoke. Lets grab a ride sometime.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thanks for the continued support man! Really makes it all worth it to see comments like this. Def down for a ride. Hit me up on Ig!

[@johnhiggins3416]

Super courageous share for the benefit of the community. Congrats on your journey and thank you for sharing.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you for the support.🤘🏼👊🏼

[@bradwarr7570]

Well done bro, I too are a friend of Bill W and the gang. Also have fallen in love again with adventures, singletracks and everything XC MTB.

[@toddmanis1165]

Jimmy, I’ve never commented on a KZbin video, or really spoke out in a Facebook post, but this was powerful! Very impressed and proud! Well done young man!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Greatly appreciated, sir, and thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone to share. 👊🏼

[@kevindelaney7198]

This is awesome man, love to hear the story. I'm also a fellow Southern Rhode Islander!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you and heck ya, southern RI is a great place to grow up.

[@nhung7592]

Thank you for sharing your story, Jimmy. MtB has been my medicine, too. All the best to you. ❤

[@MTBTravelReview]

Appreciate the same. All the best to you as well!

[@genuitybbnbbn]

Great job opening up with this Jimmy! I hope to see you again in the Fells soon.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thanks, Steve. Looking forward to it!

[@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter]

Kudos man. Your video touched me. I've struggled with anxiety and depression all my life. As you say, it is hard stuff. For me, in my 50s and 60s, it became progressively worse. In my 60s I did a lot of binge drinking. I knew it was bad for my health, but somehow I didn't give a stuff. I also became a lot more angry whenever I burst out of cycles of depression. Once you pass through a previously undenied threshold of anger-out; smashing things, slamming doors, yelling, screaming abuse; you have broken down a barrier. It progressively becomes easier and easier to lose it. I was hurting my wife and my daughter more and more with my abusive tirades. I sought help from various psychologists and counsellors, got on antidepressants and tried to cut down on my drinking. Yeah, it was horrible. But gradually I started to cope better. Mountain biking and fitness and being outdoors, being mindful, and living in the present seemed to be the best way of avoiding depression. Now I hardly ever drink. Usually, I only have 1 or 2 glasses, and that is only about once a month. Somehow I just don't need it anymore. Plus, I want to feel fresh the following day when I'm probably planning to ride. I'm into bikepacking now. I have my tent and stove and sleeping kit which I load onto my fat-tyre purpose-built bike and I disappear into nature. Anxiety fades away. Keep sharing your story, Jimmy. You are definitely helping others.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you very much for the kind words and for sharing your story, Bruce. We all face a different road and will never be perfect, but accepting and facing your vices and flaws takes a lot of courage. Keep up the great work my friend. 👊🏼❤️

[@livefreeandshred9818]

Great video man. Takes some balls to tell your life story like that.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Really appreciate it man!

[@jaredkulp6492]

best and heart warming story .! stoked for you man !!!

[@kengreenwald229]

well done and very well said/shared! I smoked for 5 years and MTB was and still is a massive outlet for me - helped me in so many ways and still does. You nailed it describing how once you are on the bike you just concentrate on whats in front of you - MTB, skiing and hiking all provide that experience for me as well and make me feel alive. Keep up your fantastic riding and great YT channel

[@MTBTravelReview]

Appreciate the support and glad you could relate. Anything outdoors is therapy in my book. Keep living life! 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@andyashla]

It takes an evolved man to allow himself to be venerable like this. Most men will never allow themselves to show who they truly are because society says we should act a certain way. It is time for us to break away from that mind set and be happy being ourselves. Thanks for all the amazing content you have created. You da man!!!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Truly appreciate the kind words and support my friend. 👊🏼❤️

[@nambrosino]

Great stuff

[@revelintheride2639]

Thanks for sharing your story! Riding helps so many people in so many ways.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Nothing beats it!

[@jonathanewing4785]

Congrats on 6 years Jimmy! I didn't know with alcohol but it is great to have you as a friend with mountain bikes! Keep it up.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Hell ya brother! Thanks for being a rad human on two wheels!

[@atraildog]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing. I agree 100% with your advice. I was though similar struggles myself and mountain biking was the antidote. If your ever in central/eastern PA hit us up. We will gladly show you around to all the epic Enduro riding spots.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Appreciate the support and great to hear that the story resonates with you. I’ll def hit you up if I am ever in the area! Might be headed out that way in the coming months. Cheers!

[@mikeowen000]

Thanks for sharing, man. You’re telling my story as well. I just celebrated 16 years sober this month. Let’s keep on keeping on!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Happy birthday man. Glad the story resonates with you. 👊🏼

[@BenBike]

Congrats on the 6 years Jimmy! Keep up the fight and shredding your bike

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you!

[@BigMikeSRT]

You're a real inspiration, not only a success story regarding sobriety, but successful in doing so much with it! Congrats!! 👊👊

[@MTBTravelReview]

Really appreciate the support! 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@ljmimages5297]

Im so proud of you Jimmy. We all love you. Were all proud of you. Congratulations, you’ve earned this and you deserve this!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers brother! Appreciate the support and stoked that you are a part for the crew. It’s been unreal to see you improve your riding and grow as a human. 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@RemyDodoy]

Congratulations and i'm proud of you. Keep pedaling and stay stoked!!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you and same to you!

[@B1KER]

Way to put yourself out there man. Good stuff!

[@donriley6735]

Thanks for sharing Jimmy!! I know you told me that day we rode together! Congrats on your sobriety!!

[@Wade970]

Just stumbled across this video, good stuff. I got sober about 6-1/2 years ago, and a lot of your story resonates with me. Kinda cool to know there’s more people in the MTB community with a similar history. If your ever in Fruita, CO and you want local knowledge it’d be cool to ride.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Glad you found the video and great to hear it resonates with you. Congrats on your success! I’ll def let you know if I’m ever out West. Keep riding man! 🤘🏼👊🏼

[@burtmarsh3576]

Thank you for sharing. I have a similar story myself. Mine was more of a back an forth on and off the bike and wagon, but basically riding bikes is the best! I really like how you talked about riding bikes is your yoga; your medicine. I 100% agree. It is also my anti-depressant!! Again, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Bikes are the best!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Truly appreciate the support man and glad you can relate. Cheers to more bikes!

[@NDOMtnBkr]

Well done on sharing your story and in life! Keep shredding and stay stoked!

[@GameplayerSolCley]

13:47 yes! yes! nice!!! Nice bro thanks, it is never too late. Dios te bendiga hermano.

[@sampoirier6394]

Proud of you Jimmy! Glad you find your new path in life, and happy to be part of it.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thanks brother. Also glad that you have the fastest bike ever made.

[@bp8832]

Thanks for sharing brother! So many of us share a similar story and the more of us that become ok with putting ourselves "out there" in what ever way we can, the more others like us can begin the healing process! Respect tf outa this🤘

[@MTBTravelReview]

Makes it all worth it man. Thanks for the support and for being a part of the community. 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@GaryMaygeronline]

All power to you 💪and thanks for sharing. Shining a light for many - kudos to the brave 👏

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thanks for listening! I truly hope it helps.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Great vid. Thank you for making it. I know it wasn’t easy. Shred on and see you on the trails. 🤙

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers brother. 👊🏼❤️

[@AdamasOldblade]

Interesting video. I am a very severe alcoholic (no other drugs, no smoking, not even caffeine) who is currently 49 days sober today. I have utterly destroyed my body through about 19 years of drinking and most of that was hard liquor night by night by night to the point of blackouts. I've lost jobs, girlfriends, almost been homeless multiple times, got arrested and went to jail for two weeks, been hospitalised, you name it, yet I always came back to drink. I wouldn't say I have a die-hard fascination with biking, but it's an interest enough of mine to keep looking into things about it since I got my first "adult" bike 12 years ago and since then I have had two others as I progressively got better ones. A few months ago I bit the bullet and spent money on an ebike and WOW has that jump started my interest again hard. Shortly after getting it I had a serious bender with alcohol and ended up again in hospital suffering again from intense withdrawal...It didn't scare me or anything, I just haven't felt the urge to drink since December 17th 2022. Universally I have failed at long term sobriety and to be quite honest I think I will fail this time too, but at least for right now using my ebike every morning for 30 minutes of cardio before work and Fridays of just flat out biking to work and back along with longer trips over the weekend mornings is working... I do feel better but I'm bummed that my weight seems to be going no where... I would have figured the roughly 1,500 extra calories I was intaking from the whiskey I drank nightly being deleted, along with a better diet and cardio would do something, but so far nothing after about 2 months... Who knows if I'm just being bitter early on.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you for sharing and sorry to hear that you haven’t won the battle, yet. From my experience, the longer to account for failure as an option, you will fail. You have to 100% dedicate yourself and not let failure be an option. I know it is easier said than done, but I am proof that it is possible. The bike won’t solve everything, but I am glad that it is helping you along your way. As far as fitness gains go, they will come in time, but it takes allot of commitment and consistency. Look at any consistent cyclist for motivation, because you will be hard pressed to find one that isn’t in decent shape from consistent riding. Keep up the good work one day at a time my friend. Sending positive vibes your way. It can be done.

[@nick4019]

Good for you man and thanks for sharing congrats on 6 years let’s keep em coming

[@MTBTravelReview]

Greatly appreciated!

[@dangrows_za4798]

I think i have a drinking problem. Im pretty sure of it. Sometimes i drink almost everyday for months. Today i didnt buy a drink. 2 weeks ago i bought a really badly looked after trek marlin 2019. A friend of mine is helping me fit an upgraded drive train and fork and a great price including his time. This inspired one of my best friend to buy a bike yesterday. So i find myself feeling like that youngester in his boarding school days again trying to research all that has changed in mtb. I hope this is gonna be a great ride and that i can make some of the hard changes that you've managed to. Well done to you sir.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you for sharing and I wish you the best on your journey. I hope that cycling helps you along you way as much as it has helped me. ❤️👊🏼

[@billr578]

Thanks for sharing Jimmy! Great story and proud that you had the ability to share it. As an aside, I grew up in Southern RI too in Charlestown. Great area to wander around on a bike! 😁🤙🤟

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers man and thanks for the support. My sister lives in Charlestown. Small world!

[@billr578]

@@MTBTravelReview Totally is. My mom still lives there so I get down for a visit every few months. Nothing beats home!

[@raymonddaviau4502]

👍👍👍

[@MTBTravelReview]

👊🏼🤘🏼

[@markbenda4827]

Your story is compelling. I can tell opening up was tough but you did a great job! Love the videos!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Really appreciate it. 👊🏼

[@Happy_Biker]

Howdy, man- good job, hope to meet you and your crew. 👍

[@MTBTravelReview]

See you out there! 🤘🏼

[@mindovrmatter33]

Love this! It takes much courage to come forward and put your feelings out there for us all to see. I hope someday I am lucky enough to get found when I am wondering the MTB trails lost😂! Keep up the great content and keep on riding!!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Appreciate the support! Keep riding and eventually you’ll run into someone! Haha

[@bryantmurphy5630]

Sweet job with everything, super motivational, keep up the good work

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you!

[@IthacaDon]

Sober since March 2015. Well done.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Congrats!

[@cleggycyclist]

Thanks dude

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you.

[@esaisa74]

Love you man. Your videos are great to watch and this one is one of best. But but, life is greater than anything in life. I mean that we are what we are no matter what. And we can be almost anything we wanna to be. I think that this video can help lots of people to think that they can do something for their life's. I believe in God and I wish you bless and hope that you can do these videos for long long time Thank you❤

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you very much for the kind words and insight. Keep spreading that love and kindness, the world needs more of it. 👊🏼❤️

[@trevzartan6718]

love this vid jimmy keep it up🤟🤟

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers man! Keep up the good work!

[@redbomberr4594]

Thanks buddy, I needed that

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you for listening. Means a lot.

[@hillsidewoods]

Respect

[@MTBTravelReview]

👊🏼🤘🏼

[@AusLockwood]

Congrats! Keep riding

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers

[@_Schreintime]

5months for me. Mountain biking is all new again

[@MTBTravelReview]

Congrats! 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@owenkennedy7854]

This is awesome man. Glad u made this.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you!

[@GameplayerSolCley]

Nice I love it! once we are on 2 weels we are brothers.

[@rpiian]

Way to go Jimmy! I was glad to hear on the chairlift at my first race that you also crashed and came in last like me 😂. But like you said, it was about finishing it, completing it, checking a box and doing something for yourself. Keep at it man.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Yes! Appreciate the support man and crashing is all part of the adventure man! Keep riding!

[@DJPablotv]

Currently building myself a brand new MTB after giving up BMX over 30 years ago.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Heck ya! No better feeling man.

[@milktop1]

👍

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

23 years here, but I suck on the mountain bike.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Congrats to you. Mountain bike or not, that is a huge accomplishment and I wish to reach it someday.

[@curtiswarren3519]

Good job stayed sober the last day I drank alcohol was may 8th 2009 And I also needed a liver Transplant In December 2009.

[@MTBTravelReview]

Very sorry to hear what you had to go through, but huge congrats on 12 years. No easy task. 🙏🏼👊🏼

[@GameplayerSolCley]

10:57 the same for me.... I am almost drowning now, last night I was looking at ways to die.... but if I take the bike now and just go out I fell free, new, happy, but I need gear to have more fun, some safety. sorry for the bad english.

[@erichansen18]

Great job man!

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thank you!

[@Steingassm]

I was wondering if you did end up becoming a part of the AA community as well? I've been going through your same struggles and have moved to areas where mountain biking and snow sports are prevelent but alcohol and drugs are just one bad decision away.

[@MTBTravelReview]

I did AA for about a year before going off on my own. Sticking with it long term or not is a personal choice, but I HIGHLY recommend giving it a shot and seeing if it works for you.

[@jenniferfournier5155]

So proud of you "son"

[@MTBTravelReview]

Thanks! Couldn’t have done it without you. 🙏🏼

[@GameplayerSolCley]

8:38 that is why I need one.

[@danyardley]

This could be my story as well

[@jinavl]

from mass and very similar story... 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@MTBTravelReview]

I have heard from hundreds of people today who share the same story and it's sad, but also a sigh of relieve. Stick with it brother.

[@emilianojuarez1813]

Bro... Recovery is a great life. MTB has definitely been a huge part of my sobriety. @knukleheadz_mtb Recovery ride...

[@emilianojuarez1813]

Ever need a speaker or share,Holla

[@BrianRPaterson]

Dude. Well done kicking tobacco and alcohol. I gave up drinking 30 years ago when I got married. I hated hangovers anyway. And once you've had a beer you are useless for doing anything else - riding, driving, using power tools. I figure it's easier to not drink in the first place. Cheers

[@MTBTravelReview]

Cheers!