[Anja]

One more thought. Not everybody finds biking to their liking. It looks like fun, feels like fun on those rides you get with others. And gives a sense of freedom I've seldom found elsewhere. But it can frequently be a real pain in the pocket.

It depends on where and how much you ride, of course. But if you want to be hardcore, you're going to get stuck in hellacious storms, encounter icy roads, those dang hostile drivers, dogs who think it's funny to take a bite out of a passing snack or just bark enough to distract you. People sometimes won't notice you and cut you off - plan at least one unexpected trip to the ditch.

The clothing in order to be safe, if you care to have it, will cost you a small fortune. You'll probably discover that you'd like good eyewear and it doesn't come cheap if you want something that stays on and works well.

You'll get sore, wind- and sunburned. And a long ride is guaranteed to tire you out by the time you get there. It takes some energy to ride and pay attention.

There was a time when I just got tired of the hassle.

But, yes. It gets in some people's blood!