There is documented proof that SAD (Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder) is a real, albeit temporary disorder that afflicts many people who reside at northern latitudes. The premise is that Homo sapiens need X amount of sunlight in order to modulate moods and when the elliptical orbit of the earth around the sun sends us into the darkness of winter we get the blues. Symptoms include:

  • Sleep problems – oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
  • Overeating – carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
  • Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety – normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
  • Family / social problems – avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, feeling emotionally ‘numb’
  • Lethargy – too tired to cope, everything an effort
  • Physical symptoms – often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
  • Behavioral problems – especially in young people

Now I’m not in any way affiliated with doctoring but I can tell you that laundry list describes how I feel when I have not been riding my bike for any length of time due to season, injury, or a schedule full of meetings and / or travel. My “disorder” and likely yours if you are taking the time to read this post could be called MAD or Mountainbike Affectiveness Disorder or better yet NERD (Not Enough Riding Disorder). The cure for which (and I’m campaigning for doctors notes that will let you get out of school, work, family reunions etc.) is to get out and ride your bike, simple right? If you are a MAD NERD and cannot ride your bike outside for any of the aforementioned reasons, there are still a number of lower impact medications you can try. These Homeopathic remedies for MAD NERD include thinking about biking, dressing in your bike clothes, tinkering with bikes or bike parts and the obvious watching bike videos on-line.

All of these things will help alleviate the symptoms of MAD NERD but only the concentrated dose prescribed below can cure you for the season. This is potent stuff and should be kept out of reach of children unless they too are showing symptoms. Rx:  Apply one opening day at Whistler Mountain Bike Park liberally over affected area ensuring it gets under the skin. Once 8 hours of riding have been absorbed instill in each eye a generous amount of Anthill Films “Strength In Numbers” movie premier. Repeat daily until all symptoms have subsided. Refills: Unlimited.

Opening Day is a short 7 weeks away on May 18.  I say short only to overcome my SAD but really, we still have to wait.  The good news is on opening day, Anthill Films will be premiering their new film Strength In Numbers in Whistler at the Conference Centre.  For a quick fix until then, keep watching the Teaser, repeat, repeat, repeat.

 

BF