I started riding as an adult to get in better shape for dirt bikes. Eventually discovered the adventure of long rides in the mountains. Gave up dirt bikes a couple years after I joined a road club. Joined that club in 1989 and I rode with them yesterday.
Never raced, commuted, or did a double century. Done hundreds of centuries and thousands of group rides. Done some touring and a lot of mountain biking.
No idea of average speeds or watts or most of the other things people keep track of. The main reason to try and stay in shape and keep the weight off is so I can do the rides I want to do.
So my attitude hasn't changed with regard to the reason I ride. I always loved the difficult rides. Got a piece of that yesterday with 3500 feet of climbing in the first 23 miles, then a cold, windy descent. Definitely the slowest in the group but they waited for me. I don't have the endurance I once did but these rides are rewarding to me.
Last edited by big john; 10-24-22 at 07:32 AM.