I actually did quit for 8 years (husband, job, kids, no one to ride with... it goes on) and in December, it HIT, the desire to get back on my bike came back in a very big way. I started riding short rides and ordered a new bike... then SPLAT (that was the sound of me crashing on my roller blades and breaking my arm )

Anyway, the cast is off and I'm back to riding short rides on my mtn bike and I can't wait to get back on the road bike. I'm ultra slow but SO excited about the rides I've committed to doing. I think Bikerchick68 said it very well, if we take a break when we need it (hopefully NOT 8 years though!) the joy of riding will always be there (or at least most of the time).

Bikerhen & Trekhawk - Don't forget - I'm counting on you two to keep me company on LRRH!!! This is OT but what Bikerhen said about riding with a group really hits home with me... its difficult to find riding partners here that aren't racers (and way beyond my level). I was contacted by a guy close to here who knows I'm just starting out again and offered to ride w/me. I am SO intimidated, I mean REALLY, doesn't he KNOW he will have to reduce his average speed and distance by half for me to keep up???? (I'm sure I'm not THAT bad, but that's the stuff I've made up that is so intimidating!) I told him I would give it a try but reminded him of my 'level'~ Bikerhen, please let us know how it went!

Anyway, thought I'd throw in my story!

Tracy