rsbob 

Road my Schwinn Varsity for 12 years as basic transformation to get me to classes and as a commuter to work. Fenders, lights, rack, the whole bit. Got a real road bike in 1982, a Bianchi Trofeo Racing bike. Soon after started doing centuries, doubles and long distance endurance rides. Took 10 years off to pursue single track mtn biking which was a blast. Loved the technical difficulty and skill building as well as the workout climbing. Fairly dangerous stuff but was a real rush. Now Uncle COVID is in town, and I can’t risk going to the hospital, it’s back to road biking with a new Bianchi. With lighter frames and lower rolling resistance tires, I am able to go as fast as I did in my 30s and 40s which is a real hoot.

growlerdinky

Sometime in 1987, after having my first road bike for about 2 years, my friend decided he needed to go see a girl he met at school. She lived in Mt Baldy village.

Just north of the second tunnel, I had to stop and rest. Josh had made the ride once before.

"The next part is called Hogback. Its the hardest part."

I got back on the bike. We needed to get to Sarahs...

Josh was right. Hogback IS the hardest part of riding to the village. We made it that day. I don't know how it went with Josh and Sarah after that. I definitely remember being the third wheel for sure, but that is beside the point. The point is this:


I became a cyclist when I got back on the bike. It was 1987.

datlas 

Poll: how many years has this thread been circulating?

Answer: too many

KiwiDallas

Well, I got started about 45 years ago, when I had only a 10-speed to get around. I cut my teeth on road cycling as a teenager in Switzerland. (Dad got transferred there by his company)

I didn't have a car, and if the bus didn't go there, it was: Get on your bike, and start pedaling. Usually uphill. VERY uphill.

I'll say this: The Swiss drivers were exceptional skilled and careful around bicycles. Moving back to the US was ... an adjustment.

=K

noodle soup

Road cycling - 41 years
Mountain biking - 35 years

Eljot

I got my first bike in 1992. I mean my first bike for actual sport. In the early 2000s I was a bike messenger so I did the most intensive cycling during that period but have been continuously cycling since 1992.

oxman

My sixth decade on this fine earth is coming to a close - I have been riding a bicycle consistently for a long time.

However, I have recently come to the conclusion that I do not have over 50 years experience as a cyclist. I actually have approximately 1 year experience, 50 times over. I still have a lot to learn. There is much room for improvement in my fitness. My numbers are paltry compared to most on this forum. That's all ok. I strive to be better!

What has not changed over the decades is the joy that I get from riding a bicycle. Going for a 20 minute ride around the neighborhood with my wife puts a big smile on our faces. My faster solo rides makes me smile as well.

Psimet2001 

"Seriously" - 1987ish -> 1993
1993->2001 - A lot of drinking and smoking in college....best near decade of my life and I am not a doctor.

~2002-> Today.....yeah.

To make it easy I tell everyone "about 30 years".

On this forum for like 14 years alone

astrodust

I got back into biking after I dislocated my leg at 16 and the doctor said to swim or bike to build leg muscles. I'm 53 and about 4 years ago I started uping my distance, and miles a year.