I have been kept from going bat shit crazy by this forum.
When I crashed some years back and broke my collar bone, followed only a couple of months later by a double prolapse in my lower spine that sent me to hospital for almost two weeks, then (partly as a consequence) got extra fat, it was participating on STW that made me think there might be hope for me yet.
Then, when I was losing, then lost, my dad, the expressions of sympathy were amazing. I even shared some of them with my family.
Since then, I have gotten back in shape and ride every day – principally commuting and road, but mountain for weekend fun – and always feel encouraged by this place.
So all in all, it has had a very good effect on my riding and lifestyle indeed. 8)