*deep breath*
First things first, thank you for all the kind words above. They are very humbling, and I’m a bit taken aback to be honest. The article was singularly the hardest and easiest thing I’ve ever written, and yes, with no small amount of catharsis. It is obviously deeply personal, but I am really pleased to see that others have been able to draw parallels.
I’m sure it won’t be everyone’s idea of a good read, and a lot of kudos should go to the magazine for being brave enough to devote a good few pages to the subject. It certainly isn’t traditional bike mag fodder, and I know it was a risk for them. Depression is, well, a bit depressing at times, and I know I look to mags for inspiration and entertainment primarily. It is an important subject though, and one that crops up on the forum regularly. I hope I’ve shown that it isn’t just shades of black though. There are bright, perfect moments in amongst the gloom, and riding bikes is the quickest route to reaching them that I know of.
Thanks also to Greg ^^^, Amy and Lou for letting me bend their ear and nick some of their thoughts. And, with mates like Teetosugars and others to ride with, I’m a pretty lucky chap all in.
Tom