When I was a kid, my big love was figure skating. We lived just a short drive from the only ice rink in our part of the country and my parents sprung for private lessons for awhile - little pink dress - the works. I had the grace of a donkey, though, so that didn't go too far. Also had clip-on roller skates.

Otherwise, I've always been very mediocre at athletics. I did letter in track in Junior High (high jump and long jump), played softball in the summer in my early teens (usually outfield, but I also got to play first base a few times), played some recreational racquetball in college, etc. In phys ed, I was usually picked in the first half but never first.

Cycling is pretty much the same although it's kind of hard to measure. I ride more for the exercise and the enjoyment and maybe some distance challenge. It's fun to do and I think one of the reasons I like it is because you can enjoy it without having to be competitive.

But I'd say I'm picking up on cycling at a moderate rate - very similar to my mediocre athletic abilities as a kid.

Deb