I started cycling back in April because its the only exercise I've found that I can do. I have Lupus. If I walk very far my feet start swelling. If I use my hands very much they start swelling. Last winter I was on a Lupus forum and everyone was recomending exercise for autoimmune diseases. I explained my situation and one fellow told me to get a bicycle, the bike would not cause swelling of the hands and feet. April it finally warmed up so I purchased my first bicycle since my childhood. That fellow was right, no swelling. I've cycled over 1400 miles since April and I'm loving it. I've lost weight and my colesterol level has dropped. Still have the Lupus and I still get sick but life is a lot better. I met another rider on the local bike trail last week in the same situation I'm in. He has Lupus and rides. Tomorrow we are loading our bikes up and driving up to Virginia to ride part of the New River Trail. I'm grateful I discovered cycling. Its greatly improved the quality of my life.