Like others who've already posted, I rode my bike all over as a kid, but only did some infrequent and very recreational riding - went with friends on the local trail out to the brewpub, then asked how we were getting the bikes home!
AIDS took my brother's life in 1995 and in 1997, I heard about, then volunteered to help on a fundraising ride for AIDS community service organizations in the Northwest. It was about 4 months before the ride: a 4-day, 50 miles a day ride from Vancouver, B.C. back to Seattle (those of you in the area may guess that it was NOT a straight, flat route!) and I rolled my heavy hybrid out of my garage and pedaled around my neighborhood. I surprised myself by even entertaining thoughts of riding it, but kept thinking about it and made the decision as a way to honor my brother's life and legacy in a unique and significant way.
Cut to 2009 and I've been riding for the same reason ever since:to end AIDS in our world. Over 25k miles and more importantly, $110k raised so that someday soon, we can end this pandemic.
Last year, for the first time I was grounded (injured by a car) and, while I couldn't ride, I could still help out, so I drove a support vehicle across NY state all week.
This year, I'm back in the saddle again, training to ride from NYC - DC in September.
Tailwinds!
Mary