Second attempt Day 33

'It doesn't matter when in life you do it, just so long as you get out there and do it'

I was starting an email to Adam Hugill, a guy that I have admired greatly for the last few years since I discovered his bike touring videos on YouTube. I've watched them all, chronicling his solo adventures around the world. By the time I had watched a few of them I was hooked - duly liked, shared and subscribed! 

I soon realised we share many of the same beliefs - to get out there and ride is the most liberating and joyful activity possible on this earth. If you don't do it before you die, you have not lived, to name but one. We used to tour the same way too. Long days in the saddle meeting people from all walks of life across foreign lands, followed by meals and many drinks in the evenings - meeting, singing with and usually hugging many more by the end of the night. 

We are opposite in one respect though. Adam did his touring early in life and was late settling down. He bike toured relentlessly through his twenties, earning a bit of money from YouTube royalties along the way. By the time he was in his mid-thirties he realised it was time to join the real world and build a more stable future. He did two things spontaneously - he got a proper job and he gave up drinking. On the anniversary of being dry he made another video sharing his experiences of his new life. It's a great watch. He has no regrets and a whole raft of great advice.

I was explaining to Adam in my email this morning that my cycle touring adventures are only really peaking now I'm in my early 50s, as I now have more spare time - but age is ultimately unimportant and certainly no barrier.  I ran out of time to finish it and saved the email as a draft. I'll finish and send it  later I thought - I needed to get out and test the chosen bike from my 'fleet' for the tour starting tomorrow, plus I wasn't yet sure how I wanted to articulate my thanks to him for inspiring me to give up the booze too.

In his sobriety anniversary video he mentioned a very important thing. It's probably one of the hardest aspects of choosing to go dry. It has always stuck with me. 

'Be prepared to lose some friends'.

Drinking and socialising go hand in hand for the vast majority in the UK, certainly the people I met as a Northerner. A new life of teetotalism will inevitably lead (is leading) to a shake out. Yes, it's a natural cost, but this must  be seen as a positive - a mutual, agreeable but inevitable separation. A  chance to rise again if you like, not some bitter parting. Not Goodbye, more I'll Be Seeing You. 

Adam's advice - yes, of course some more tenuous acquaintances will slip away, not interested in socialising without the usual drink or if they decide there's nothing in it for themselves anymore. That, like it or loathe it, is just life though and to be expected. Stronger, longer relationships will survive and in fact it's fair to say it's not all a one way street. You too will feel like meeting new people and gravitate towards those who are more aligned with your new view of the world. Giving up the drink, especially at my age, is a huge step and will affect the whole of the rest of your life. Ultimately it comes down to one thing - it's up to you to appraise if the new rewards outweigh the old losses.

For the last 33 days now I've been appraising.

This morning so far - walking out with Rachel and breathing in early morning sea air at 8am. A trip to  the local Fruiteria for fruit supplies for the tour, followed by the local Taberna for a simple Spanish breakfast - all without crowds of people. Why? Because you've naturally awoken early, yet fully refreshed - you've been so active the day before and gone to bed beautifully and optimally tired. Then writing this blog, waiting for Rach to finish her Spanish lesson,  and for good measure I've ridden out for two quick training rides - all this completed well before I used to even get up and hit the shower on a Saturday Morning. 

We're now off to Puerto Banus to get the hire car for Rachel to shadow the bike tour and to get the family up and down to Sierra Nevada for the upcoming family ski trip - after we pick it up we will walk along the coast for an aperitif (trusty San Miguel 0% in my case) before dinner, booked in our favourite restaurant at 8pm. 

My God - so much in one day. I took my time realising it, but the best drug of all ended up being no drugs. All the energy, without the hangover and lethargy. 

I'm a late starter to all this for sure - 52 years old is probably not a usual age to stop drinking, Adam's age probably more typical, but it has provided a new direction and a completely new lease of life. Yes, for sure there are things, places and people that I will miss over time, but there's so, so much more to discover ahead of me too. 

It's day 33 now, the results of my appraisal:-

Adam, I agree with you Sir - It's definitely worth it.

P.S. As it's now over a month since drinking, and I'm coming more and more out of the woods, posts will be less frequent. Of course I will post here anything important - even if I relapse. If not assume all is on track and I'll put a new post out occasionally.  Thanks for reading.