Original poster here... I'll just add that I'm jealous of my younger friend and sometimes riding partner, because he lives in an area where riding a bicycle from his house to local areas (read eateries, convenience store, hardware store, library) are all pretty doable. He's moved to a sleepy berg outside of the big city. I, on the other hand, live between two Autobahns, were speeds are generally 20+ mph over the posted 55 mph limits, with little bail out areas on the sides, only then to hit major inner city traffic conditions. Maybe someday, after a big move.