Thanks for posting the note about riding with your in-laws. I think that it's very common for folks who don't participate in a sport to see those who do participate on a regular basis as "professionals". While I am in no way an active rider as most women on this site, my friends are impressed that I ride, oh say, 30 miles on one ride -- which is nothing compared to most avid riders.

In respect to bike riding well into one's 50's, I started roller blading several years ago because I saw senior citizens flying around Lake Harriet on their roller blades. I realized that, if they could do it (and do it well), I could certainly start roller blade in my 40's. Of course, I have since given up roller blading for riding. Next summer I hope to throw in wind surfing as a new sport which may fit in well with bike riding. Windy/warm days -- wind surfing, all the other days -- bike riding

- Vivian