Everyone knows „Dry January“ – a month without alcohol to give the body a break after the holiday season. I’m doing it differently: my „Dry Month“ is in February. Why? Because I want to push myself further for the upcoming season. I want to get fitter, perform better on my bike, and maximize my enjoyment. But I also love indulging. I enjoy a good beer after a hard ride, I love great food. Giving up these things is tough – and that’s exactly why I’m doing it.
Sport Is a Drug Too – And That’s Okay
We often talk about addiction in the context of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. But sports can be just as addictive. Mountain bikers know what I mean: the adrenaline on a descent, the euphoria after a perfect run, the craving for the next trail. That’s our high. And just like with any other drug, there comes a time when you have to ask yourself: Am I still doing this for fun, or just for the next hit?
Often, it’s not just about the ride itself anymore but about seeking out ever more extreme trails, posting the best photos on social media, and constantly trying to outdo yourself. Higher, faster, further – and in the process, you forget to simply enjoy what you already have. Just like with other addictions, it helps to ask: „Am I doing this for me – or for external validation?“
Giving Something Up Is Hard – But It Reveals How Deep Habits Run
The first few days without alcohol were… different. No beer after a ride, no glass of wine with dinner. At first, you notice just how much these things are tied to routines. The body craves them, and so does the mind. But after a while, you start to enjoy things more consciously. You realize that a lot of it is just habit – and that habits can be changed.
It’s the same with sports. If you’re always chasing the next big adventure, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle. It’s hard to admit to yourself that sometimes, less is more. That a relaxed ride on familiar trails can be just as valuable as an epic road trip to the Alps.
How to Deal with “Withdrawal”
Every addiction, whether positive or negative, needs a substitute. Simply cutting something out doesn’t work – you need alternatives. Here’s what’s helping me:
- A different focus after a ride: Instead of the reward beer, I go for a cold spritzer or an alcohol-free craft beer. It’s not the same taste, but the ritual stays intact.
- Building new routines: Instead of winding down the evening with a drink, I do a short mobility session or consciously relax with music or a book.
- Reframing my mindset: Instead of thinking, „I’m giving something up,“ I tell myself, „I’m investing in my performance and my enjoyment on the bike.“
My Conclusion After a Month: Is Dry February Worth It?
After four weeks, I feel the difference. My sleep is better, my recovery noticeably improved. I feel fitter, more awake, and stronger on my bike. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Will I keep it up? Maybe not completely, but I will definitely enjoy things more consciously.
I also realized that mountain biking isn’t just about chasing the next extreme route. Sometimes, a small change – a different perspective, a more mindful ride – makes a bigger difference than the next big trip. It’s not about forbidding yourself things, but about consciously choosing what truly benefits you.
Making It Public & Preventing Relapse
- Transparency & Social Media:
- I share my experiences regularly and honestly – not just the positives but also the tough moments.
- Small updates on what has changed, what helps me, and what surprises me.
- Accountability Through the Community:
- Who’s joining me? I’m sure many people have similar experiences or might want to join in.
- Engaging in the comments or through direct messages – mutual motivation matters!
- Reward, Not Punishment:
- Instead of regretting a relapse, I focus on the progress I’ve made.
- Maybe I’ll set a challenge: If I stick to it, I’ll treat myself to a new bike upgrade or an epic MTB tour.
My Biggest Takeaway: Giving Something Up Can Be a New Kind of Freedom
It’s not about punishing yourself or making rules. It’s about consciously deciding what truly benefits you. And if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that the feeling of being in control of my own habits is one of the best highs you can get.
So, who’s in? 😉
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