mijome07

I admit, I smoke and it's a bad habit. For me it's a habit, no an addiction. I've quit cold-turkey a few times [3+ mos. at a time] without the help of gum or patches. Only when I exert myself while riding do I feel the effects of smoking. Am I the only one? And yes, I do plan on quitting for good.

Nick Gapen

As an ex-smoker, who was seriously addicted to nicotine, I am curious why you start again after quitting for 3+ months.

MMACH 5

I do.

SSP

Sounds like it *is* an addiction if the longest you've gone without a smoke is 3 months or so.

FWIW, admitting you are an addict can be helpful in breaking the hold that the nicotine has over you.

dobber

I didn't smoke but I was a long term snuff user (20+ years). I'm talking eating, drinking, sleeping with a pinch between the cheek and gums. God it took forever to kick it, I'd be clean for a couple months, a year and would succumb to the temptation, the boredom of a long ride.

I've been clean now for 4 years.

My brother quit riding because in his words "It was tough to shift and hold a smoke at the same time"

Cody Broken

Talking about vices:
I don't smoke or chew but I can't seem to stop drinking beer, no matter how many hangovers I suffer. I don't drink often or that much, but every few months I have a few too many and oh man do I pay.

Basically I have no natural talent for drinking, but it has never stopped me for long.

unkchunk

How much do smokes cost a pack in California now?

Mr Vagabond

About the same as a mortgage payment in Idaho.

Bottomfeeder

I smoke a cigar a couple times a month.

DanO

dsoul27

its funny to hear people say I QUIT for three months.. If you quit you wouldn't still be smoking... you took a little break..



anyways, i use to smoke allot but stopped and went three years without a smoke, now i smoke about 0-5 ciggs a month... I enjoy to smoke one here and there, and I figure anything in moderation is ok.

Marrock

I smoke cigars, can't stand the smell of cigarettes.

I rarely have one lit when riding though, unless I already had it fired up and realized I needed to be somewhere.

At those times I do a reasonable impression of a steam engine.

Intheloonybin

FWIW, I don't smoke, but have seen quite a few "commuters" downtown smoking while they are riding... LOL



Good luck quitting!

DVC45

I used to, but only when I drink alcoholic beverages. Never during cyclo-commuting.
I can have the best beer or wine in the world, but without a smoke, it means nothing to me. I just got to smoke when I drink.
Sport shooting and cycling is all my vice now (and posting here in BF ).

MyBikeGotStolen

I smoked for a long time. I finally quit on Christmas eve last year. Its actually one of the things that got me interested in cycling. Trying to regain my lung funtions or what ever. I was a heavy (~25 a day) smoker. I guess it was the only "drug" that kept me from going crazy after I stopped getting wasted on beer every night 2 years ago

madfiNch

I quit 5 1/2 years ago. Still working on losing the weight.

When I was a smoker, I smoked while I did everything - including biking, rollerblading, etc.

modernjess

Tobacco is gods greatest gift to mankind.

I quit three months ago after 25+ years of smoking and 20 of them as a cyclist.

I promise to start again if I live to be 75.

Ouabacher

I was an idiot in my younger days..... smoked and drank like a fool! wrecked my car while driving drunk. Got hurt pretty bad (didn't hurt anyone else, thank God!) . That night was the last night I smoked cigarettes and, when I got out of the hospital, I bought a bike for rehab purposes. Now that I've had time to look back, that was one of the best nights of my life!

astropuppy

Quiting smoking is why I got back on a bike. If you need help try quitnet.com its free and has lots of information. 3 months is nothing, at 11 months I am just starting to feel a better quality of life. The biggest one being I DON'T STINK anymore. At 49 and half years of age, I can say its the healthiest thing I ever did for myself; It has also been one of the hardest. Best of luck, if you need help PM me, its not easy.

AlmostTrick

I don't smoke but I'm trying to start.

DataJunkie

I quit almost 8 years ago. One of the best choices I have made.
However, I still have nicotine cravings from time to time. Just realize it is something you will have to live with for quite a time. Still, it is better than other drugs one can become addicted to.

RT

+1. Absolutely. Well done. At 43, I can no longer hang with the hangover, and I now enjoy my ride so much more. If I'm out playing cards with the gang or watching the game at the bar, it's coffee for me. It's too bad that cigs also go well with coffee. Drats.

heywood

Yep I smoke and enjoy it.

Would never smoke on the bike, that'd be really crappy for my lungs since I don't inhale that much, I just like a nice smoke & coffee or a whisky.

I think eating right and getting exercise are important and so is enjoying life and i've become really annoyed at all these laws passed to curb smoking (it's now starting with alcohol) so I'm an unrepentant smoker. There's a long history of people trying to prohibit and socially engineer groups which is why there's now no way i'll quit, it's kind of become a 'freedom' thing. If we ever went back to the way things were before all smoking bylaws i'd probably quit except for a nice cigar or pipe at the pub.

Cheers!

b_young

I used "Cough and Gagin" (Cophenhagen) for 15+years. I quit 8 yrs ago only by the power of prayer. Still have dreams of it every now and then. I know it would only take one dip and I'd be back full strength. I still have heartburn from it and problems with my back teeth.

dynodonn 

Industrial

I still smoke. I almost don't feel the difference commuting. Whenever I go mountain biking I curse my weak will and swear to quit while I wheeze up another incline trying to keep up with my riding group.