I got my first two wheel bike as a birthday present at the age of 7. Way too big as early bikes often are, but served me well for riding up and down the street or around the school yard. I was not supposed to ride it in the streets, but could walk it to school and then ride around the school yard. Of course I rode it to school anyway. Had a major wipeout on a gravelly path. Lied to my mom about what happened. Broke down and confessed an hour later because I felt too guilty about lying. And still to this day am terrified of riding on gravel. I have of course been riding ever since, although mostly just as a means of getting around. I had a sturdy Norwegian mtb for about 15 years which served me very well. Great bike. Had it's first service after 10 years! Brought me to Hell and back on several occasions (although never in winter when Hell is frozen over). It finally retired after 15 years and I upgraded to a Gary Fisher mtb with slick tires. Perhaps not the best choice when living in the flatlands of Illinois, but it served me very well for getting around. Unfortunately that bike "disappeared" (or more likely got stolen) when I moved to the UK last year. So now I have recently invested in a brand new bike, and have redescovered the joy of riding just to ride. I am now cruizing around on my Specialized Tricross and having loads of fun. I have just signed up for my first Charity Ride and have promised to do the AidsRide next year with Trek420 (my aunt). Perhaps I can even convince my mom (Bikeless in WI) to join in? It could be one of those family bonding things.....

And speaking of cycling. It sounds like the rain has let up a bit outside. Think I will hurry up and get a quick ride in before it starts pouring again.