I didn't start riding until I was almost in Jr. High (I think, it's been a while). My dad got me a blue, single speed, coaster brake Schwinn, (those of a certain age know exactly the bike I'm talking about). He then taught me to fix my own flats - a chore that involved wrenches back then.

After that, if I really wanted to go somewhere, I walked, rattled there on the Schwinn, or bummed a ride. I didn't drive a car until I lived in the middle of nowhere with an infant daughter.

Backing up a bit, for our first anniversary, DH got me Walter, my 10-speed Raleigh, then he needed a better bike to keep up with me. (He rode that Schwinn to work today.)

The roads were too bad, distances to far, and child-type responsibilities too pressing for me to ride while the girls were little.

When we moved back to civilization, I was out of the habit of riding, until one day at work I had my friend the nurse take my blood pressure just for grins. She turned white, and sent me home with instructions not to stroke out on her. Not my idea of grins, actually.

I started riding again & in the process, I discovered that Walter, as much as I love him, is probably not sized well for me. I just can't ride for long without my hands hurting - not to mention other parts. But, but, but, that's My Bike! We have History! What to do?

A different rehab specialist convinced me that I can actually own more than one bike, & that a recumbent might be good for me. I'd never seriously considered either option before that.

So now I ride (mostly) the 'bent, and my weight, blood pressure & stress are more controlled. Life is good. I want to tour.