I am snailgate
 

I have been riding since I was 9 years old and (truly!) a rich uncle gave me a Western Flyer bike for my birthday. Continued using a bike for my primary personal transportation until I joined the Army at age 21. While stationed in Germany I bought my first 'real' bike at a local bike shop in Heidelberg. 8 Speed with front derailleur operated by a long rod extending up next to the seat post and a Simplex rear derailleur that I never figured out how to adjust properly. Rode it all over Germany and France. Put way the bike when I married and was driving 50 miles one way to college or work. Bought a Schwinn 3 speed with a tax refund when family needed the car more than I did and we could not afford a second auto. Then my legs developed enough strength that I was breaking the pawls in the Sturmey-Archer rear hub regularly and bought a modern used 10-speed at a great local bike shop. Never looked back. I have done more than a hundred Century Rides, but never a double or a long tour since I left Germany. My motto: If god wanted me to run, he would not have given me a bicycle.

Welcome. I'm impressed you broke pawls in a Sturmey-Archer hub. Congratulations.

What are you riding now?

I'm in the process of buying a German Rickert frameset, supposedly from the late 50's.

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Welcome to Bike Forums from another Delawarean, just west of Bethany Beach.

Welcome!

Now I am riding a very early Trek racing frame that I put together with parts, an Assenmacher custom frame that I said I wanted as a two wheeled station-wagon. It is very comfortable and is my do-everything bike. The one that sits and glares at me is an early 70's Gitane track bike that I rarely ride--but I always have fun when I do.
No carbon fiber, no click shifters.

Welcome to Bike Forums, snailgate! Excellent way with words.

Nice intro! Welcome!