You stole my story! I'm 52, started riding this past spring for the 1st time in over 20 years. My motivation was my dad. He's an avid cyclist and after my mom died in 2005, I thought it would be nice to share in his interests. He had a few of my mom's bikes, so i didn't even need to haul a bike across town.

I, too, fell in love. I had a crummy 6 speed Huffy from Target which I literally rode into the ground (stuff was fallling off it!). Found a good bicycle shop, told them my goals - daily riding, 12 months a year, carrying groceries, bad weather use, etc. For my budget they recommended the Marin Kentfield, & I am very happy with it.

Basically, I no longer get into my car if the trip is under 5 miles. I have dropped 10 lbs in the past 3 months, from 180+. Interestingly, this amount of vigorous exercise seems to have regulated my appetite; I'm no longer a nighttime fresser.

Like you, I have powerful legs - of course most women have better lower body strength. I also have osteoarthritis & fibromyalgia. Other than some morning stiffness the 1st two weeks, I have no pain from riding; it is the only exercise that 1, doesn't bore me, 2, doesn't beat up my joints. My sense of well being is the best it's been in years.

I think cycling for transportation is effective exercise for me, because - well, I have to get home! That's when the work begins. Unlike the gym, you can't just quit. btw. riding an exercise bucycle would be my definition of torture.

OK, I'm up too late & this is a long & disjointed reply. Have fun, keep riding, & keep us posted!

julie